Disney has announced that its Oscar®-winning animated live-action musical classic "The Little Mermaid," will be available on Disney+ on September 6, 2023.
"The Little Mermaid" is the beloved story of Ariel, a beautiful and spirited young mermaid with a thirst for adventure. The youngest of King Triton's daughters and the most defiant, Ariel longs to find out more about the world beyond the sea and, while visiting the surface, falls for the dashing Prince Eric. While mermaids are forbidden from interacting with humans, Ariel must follow her heart. She makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, which gives her a chance to experience life on land but ultimately places her life - and her father's crown - in jeopardy.
Disney+ subscribers will also be able to access special bonus content, including Oscar® winner Javier Bardem ("No Country for Old Men") as King Triton performing the song "Impossible Child" with music by multiple Academy Award® winner Alan Menken ("Beauty and the Beast," "Aladdin") and lyrics by three-time Tony Award® winner Lin-Manuel Miranda ("Hamilton,' "In the Heights"); "Passing the Dinglehopper," and "Under the Sea - Song Breakdown."
"The Little Mermaid" stars singer and actress Halle Bailey ("grown-ish") as Ariel; Jonah Hauer-King ("A Dog's Way Home") as Eric; Tony Award® winner Daveed Diggs ("Hamilton") as the voice of Sebastian; Awkwafina ("Raya and the Last Dragon") as the voice of Scuttle; Jacob Tremblay ("Room") as the voice of Flounder; Noma Dumezweni ("Mary Poppins Returns") as The Queen; Art Malik ("Homeland") as Sir Grimsby; with Oscar® winner Javier Bardem ("No Country for Old Men," "Being the Ricardos") as King Triton; and two-time Academy Award® nominee Melissa McCarthy ("Can You Ever Forgive Me?" "Bridesmaids") as Ursula. "The Little Mermaid" is directed by Oscar® nominee Rob Marshall ("Chicago," "Mary Poppins Returns") with a screenplay by two-time Oscar nominee David Magee ("Life of Pi," "Finding Neverland"). The songs feature music from multiple Academy Award® winner Alan Menken ("Beauty and the Beast," "Aladdin") and lyrics by Howard Ashman, and new lyrics by three-time Tony Award® winner Lin-Manuel Miranda ("Hamilton,' "In the Heights"). The film is produced by two-time Emmy® winner Marc Platt ("Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert," "Grease Live!"), Miranda, two-time Emmy winner John DeLuca ("Tony Bennett: An American Classic"), and Rob Marshall, with Jeffrey Silver ("The Lion King") serving as executive producer.
The animated version of the film was released in 1989 and was a significant success for Disney, marking the beginning of the Disney Renaissance era of animation. It received acclaim for its animation, music, and characters. The soundtrack of the movie, crafted by Alan Menken with lyrics penned by Howard Ashman, features memorable songs such as "Part of Your World," "Under the Sea," and "Kiss the Girl."
The influence of "The Little Mermaid" on popular culture was substantial, sparking the development of a franchise that encompassed a direct-to-video sequel, a television series, theme park attractions, and additional endeavors. Additionally, it played a pivotal role in revitalizing Disney's animation division, catalyzing a series of triumphs in animated filmmaking during the subsequent years.
