The latest in Disney's line of classic animations which have been reimagined into live-action will come soon in the shape of Rob Marshall's The Little Mermaid. The iconic tail of Ariel, who seeks to be part of our world, the original animated film was a vital part of the Disney Renaissance, seen as the second golden age in Disney animation allowing the films that followed to power their way to critical and box office success.
A key factor in The Little Mermaid's success came down to the songs, written by Alan Menken. Featuring earworm bops like 'Under the Sea', 'Part of Your World' and 'Kiss The Girl', the score was so successful that it not only went multi-platinum in sales, but also won two Oscars and a Grammy. However, when it came to remaking the film for live action, a longer length of film - the original is a touch over 80 minutes - meant new songs would need to be written.
COLLIDER VIDEO OF THE DAY SCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH CONTENT And so, Marshall and Menken turned to a new icon of Disney from years past, in the shape of Lin-Manuel Miranda, the lyrical genius who had already achieved stratospheric success with the company thanks to his work on films like Moana, Encanto and Mary Poppins Returns - as well as contributing music to the Star Wars sequel trilogy.
I remember 'Under The Sea' starting. Goose-pimples doesn't do justice to the weird, weightless vertigo I felt when this calypso number started in the middle of the fucking ocean. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. You can ask my fourth-grade teacher - I would get up on the desk and sing 'Under The Sea'. I just was Sebastian the crab for a few months. "I said, 'Happy to write new lyrics if they need them. And if they don't, I won't.
The Little Mermaid will make its premiere in theaters on May 26. You can make it a part of your world by watching the trailer down below.