The Little Mermaid Arrives on Disney+: The Next Generation Princess

Adaptation live action from Mermaidalready available in Disney+, ran into controversy on several different points. From casting Halle Bailey as Triton’s daughter to how the film was adapted to a new audience. Director Rob Marshall and a team of writers had to turn Ariel into a princess of the new millennium. An essential element that will update the cartoon classic and show the evolution of Disney’s main characters over the past thirty years.

The main characters of the study have ceased to be shameful girls and have become strong women. Mulan was the beginning of a generation of new characters and cold ice adventure from the love story directly cost. The main characters of the animated classic had more ambition than love, and they turned into complex figures who did not need to be saved.

Animation Mermaid adapted the short story of the same name by Hans Christian Andersen. Released in 1989, it entered the cinema as a toned down version of a children’s fairy tale known for its harshness. The narrative, far from the usual fields of magical kisses and happy marriages, showed the heroine who had lost everything. Its author wrote the story in the midst of grief and turned it into a heartbreak metaphor far from romantic clichés.

Movie Mermaid It was released long before Disney decided to experiment with the characters of their princesses. So Ariel (Jodi Benson) had a lot in common with her predecessors. Innocent, enthusiastic and ready for self-sacrifice, she wanted to live a great love, and the film revolved around her passionate feelings. Something that a group of writers Roger Allers, Howard Ashman and Ron Clements emphasized with a happy ending that belied the original story. Overall, the animated film was a success and became one of the most memorable at the studio.

Mermaid for the new generation

He live action from Mermaid, created by Rob Marshall, had the problem of showing that Ariel was much more in line with the new generation. Imagine a princess joining a growing group of brave and powerful exploration heroes.

The big question was how it could be done without betraying the essence of the animated story from which it originated. Finally, director and screenwriters Jane Goldman and David Magee found the answer. Triton’s youngest daughter didn’t have to change that much to make a new character out of her, just take a closer look at her goals. This idea prompted them to take another look at both the story and the 1989 feature film.

After the premiere MermaidCritic Roger Ebert analyzed the young princess as a strong, even rebellious, female figure fighting for her destiny. An opinion that went against the general idea of ​​Ariel as a retrograde figure who could give up her voice and life underwater for the love of a stranger. Team behind live action he explored his character’s emotions. This led to a new look at this story.

The plot, essentially the same, now presents the little mermaid as a teenager who confronts her father. But he is also very curious about the world outside of his own. A trait that separates it from the animated version. However, in the adaptation, Ariel is committed to her ideals, not just love. In addition, the story explores his relationship with the king. Triton (Javier Barden) and the pressure that is being placed on her that will make her decide to quit everything.

Certainly, Mermaid It’s still a love story. Strong enough to excite, and best developed through a more trusting relationship between Ariel And Eric (Jonah Hauer-King). The main characters have time to get to know each other and their motives become more clear. In fact, the prince manages to be more than just a minor element. In the new version, he even has a song that allows him to deepen his feelings.

The princess who knows what she wants

Ariel Halle Bailey is also a good example of how to adapt a complex character. In the original tale, published in 1837, the character is unnamed and does not speak a single word during the story. The obvious reason is that her voice was stolen by the sea witch, but for Andersen, her silence is a sacrifice. In the original anime, the princess gets a name and better defines her character. Although his main desire is still love and ends with a wedding on the high seas.

date High on Disney Plus now and save with an annual subscriptionwith which you can enjoy the entire catalog of series and films. Access to the latest releasesto catalog stars and the best documentaries from National Geographic.

Subscribe to Disney+ and save two months.

However, in the version Mermaid In 2023, Ariel will also become part of the family, she will have responsibilities for the future, and she is deeply true to her ideals. Including, of course, love. However, the character is not limited to his romanticism, he is also attractive and significant in his own right. A transformation that gives the princess a place of honor in the Disney world and in the hearts of viewers with new feelings and interests.