In 2016, Disney announced that the infamous Disney princess, Ariel, was getting her own live-action remake. Then in 2018, it was announced that Disney would have their first live-action black princess, with Ariel being cast as the gifted vocalist and Beyonce protege, Halle Bailey. 

The Little Mermaid budget was set at $250 million, with the movie set to begin production in early 2020, but with the pandemic interfering production was delayed until early 2021. 

On May 26, 2023, the highly anticipated Disney movie premiered in theaters and streaming platforms, and boy was it worth the wait.

Besides Bailey, the Disney movie included stars such as Melissa McCarthy (Ursala), Jonah King (Prince Eric), and Jessica Alexander (Vanessa) who all do a fantastic job.

Alexander only had around 10 minutes of screen time as her character Vanessa, but her laugh after Bailey (Ariel) turns back into a mermaid is captivating. It leaves audience members, myself especially, on the edge of their seats.  

Vocally, I believe Bailey stood out from the crowd. She holds notes that seem impossible to breathe through and carries rifts that sent chills down my spine. 

I think Prince Eric’s casting is perfect. King portrayes just the right amount of charm, yet obliviousness.  

One change I noticed in the movie,  but also appreciated, was in the song “Kiss The Girl,” a dated lyric was changed to teach kids about consent.

Instead of the original lyric “possible she wants you too, there is one way to ask her/It don’t take a word, not a single word/Go on and kiss the girl,” the live-action changed it to “Possible she want you too/Use your words, boy, and ask her/If the time is right and the time is tonight/Go on and kiss the girl” 

Overall, I would rate the movie a solid five out of five across the board. If I could give the movie 100 out of 10 stars, I would. 

The Little Mermaid can be watched at your local theater. The movie is also tentatively set to be released on Disney+ on August 30, 2023.