The world premiere of The Little Mermaid drew a star-studded crowd last night, with celebrities turning out to the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles to celebrate the highly anticipated live-action remake of the beloved Disney classic. The red carpet was awash in blue, the color of the sea, as stars like Halle Bailey (Ariel), Melissa McCarthy (Ursula), Jonah Hauer-King (Eric), Javier Bardem (King Triton), Daveed Diggs (Sebastian), Jacob Tremblay (Flounder), Awkwafina (Scuttle) arrived to celebrate the film.
Directed by the legendary Rob Marshall, The Little Mermaid is the live-action retelling of the 1989 Oscar-winning animated film. After the premiere, Disney lifted its social media embargo on reactions, and those who had already seen the film were free to give their thoughts.
Praise for Halle Bailey as Ariel & the movie
Brandon Lewis said that Bailey “belongs in the new A-list class”:
Still thinking about Halle Bailey in #TheLittleMermaid. She’s a magic on screen. She belongs in the new A-list class with Paul Mescal, Timothée Chalamet, Florence Pugh, and Zendaya. She will be a beacon for all the young women who come after her. Keep an eye on sis; she’s coming. pic.twitter.com/o0YZCxtyDt
— Brandon Lewis (@blewis1103) May 9, 2023
Kathia Woods said that The Little Mermaid “is a tribute to all little girls to dream big.” She also said that Bailey is “sheer magic.”
#TheLittleMermaid is a tribute to all little girls to dream big. Halle Bailey is sheer magic and Daveed Diggs a delight as Sebastian. pic.twitter.com/kLD2y62dIF
— Kathia Woods (@kathia_woods) May 9, 2023
Ron Seoul-Oh called Bailey “radiant, charming & every bit a Disney princess.”
I got to see #TheLittleMermaid!@HalleBailey is magnificent as Ariel. She’s radiant, charming & every bit a Disney princess.
Bailey absolutely nails every musical number & carries the very entertaining film. 🧵 pic.twitter.com/ICxwSUQzzj
— POC Culture (@POCculture) May 9, 2023
Michael Lee said it was “romantic and full of musical joy, even if it’s slightly overstuffed.”
#TheLittleMermaid can be an enchanting reimagining that expands upon the story of the animated original with modern themes. It’s romantic and full of musical joy, even if it’s slightly overstuffed. If anything, Halle Bailey carries the film entire film with her performance. pic.twitter.com/S2A8egDeqj
— Michael Lee (@IamMichaelJLee) May 9, 2023
Matt Neglia said that Bailey “astonishes” with “her gorgeous singing & empathetic charm.”
It may look visually rough under the sea, but THE LITTLE MERMAID eventually recreates some of the original’s magic through its timeless story & cast. Daveed Diggs & Melissa McCarthy are highlights but Halle Bailey is the one astonishes with her gorgeous singing & empathetic charm pic.twitter.com/DhmmtOLaLJ
— Matt Neglia (@NextBestPicture) May 9, 2023
Tessa Smith said “I can’t stop thinking about The Little Mermaid.”
I can't stop thinking about The Little Mermaid and how I cannot wait to see it again. My daughters are going to love it! #TheLittleMermaid pic.twitter.com/n1vl6Zj3DE
— Tessa Smith – Mama's Geeky (@MamasGeeky) May 9, 2023
Praise for the rest of the cast
Daveed Diggs (of Hamilton and Star Trek: Prodigy fame) earned kudos for his portrayal of the crab Sebastian as well.
Daveed Diggs steals the show as Sebastian. It’s not an easy role but he pulled it off w/ some excellent comedic timing. Sebastian & Awkwafina’s Scuttle are amazing together & add much needed levity to the story. I could watch a whole film with those two. #TheLittleMermaid pic.twitter.com/cbTZKGVJ2t
— POC Culture (@POCculture) May 9, 2023
John Nguyen called out Hauer-King as “charming” as Eric.
#TheLittleMermaid really surprised me. It's my favorite Disney live-action remake by far. (Not saying much I know.) Halle Bailey's voice is phenomenal, and Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric is charming. The rest of the cast is solid. The animals still look creepy but grew on me. pic.twitter.com/syjAjP3uCw
— John Nguyen (@JohnSpartan300) May 9, 2023
Critic Courtney Howard shared the following thoughts.
#TheLittleMermaid: Charming, but incredibly spotty. Halle Bailey, Jonah Hauer-King, Melissa McCarthy & Javier Bardem put their heart & souls into a film that can’t escape its animated legacy. Best when it leans into campy bonkers, yet limits its fantasy elements for no reason. pic.twitter.com/c7Bt2BO5rq
— Courtney Howard (@Lulamaybelle) May 9, 2023
@BecomingFelicia was also not sold on Ursula, saying the film “struggles in the villain department.”
#TheLittleMermaid makes it pretty close to being the best live action Disney movie, however it still struggles in the villain department. Halle Bailey IS Ariel and I had literal chills throughout her performance. This is a little mermaid retelling like you’ve never seen before. pic.twitter.com/JjtLOR61vL
— Felicia (@astoldbyfelicia) May 9, 2023
What is The Little Mermaid about?
According to Disney, The Little Mermaid reimagines the nearly 35-year-old tale. They’ve released the following plot summary:
“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 to interact 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.” Source
If you’ve watched the original animated version, that sounds pretty close to the storyline. However, the runtime of this new The Little Mermaid is almost an hour longer than the original movie. Details have been scant about what the extra time could include, but it’s a safe bet that there will be new songs and new depth to characters that only got a little screen time.
Sneak Peek at a classic song
Two days ago, Disney released a sneak peek of the live-action version of the song “Part of Your World.” You can watch it below:
How to watch The Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid will release in theaters on May 26, 2023. It will be available on Disney Plus later this year. Full reviews of the film will also be available later this month before the movie hits theaters.
What do you think of the first reactions to The Little Mermaid? Join the conversation by commenting here or connecting with us on Twitter @MoviesWeTexted.
If you’re looking for something else to watch, be sure to check out our review of Disney’s Peter Pan & Wendy.