Ruqayyah Snyder
Disney's live-action remake of 'The Little Mermaid' was released in Australian cinemas on May 25, 2023, and on Disney+ on September 6, 2023. The film is a musical romantic fantasy directed by Rob Marshall and stars Halle Bailey as Ariel, a mermaid princess who longs to explore the world beyond the sea. The cast also includes Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric, Melissa McCarthy as Ursula, and Javier Bardem as King Triton. With a fresh take on a beloved character, the film offers a fusion of nostalgia and contemporary storytelling, enchanting audiences worldwide.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Release date in Australian cinemas | 25 May 2023 |
| Streaming platforms | Disney+, YouTube, Prime Video, Apple TV Store, Prime Video Store |
| Main cast | Halle Bailey, Jonah Hauer-King, Melissa McCarthy, Javier Bardem, Noma Dumezweni |
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What You'll Learn
The Little Mermaid's Australian cinema release date
The live-action remake of Disney's The Little Mermaid was released in Australian cinemas on 25 May 2023. The film stars Halle Bailey as Ariel, a mermaid princess and the youngest daughter of King Triton, who longs to learn about the world beyond the sea. Other cast members include Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric, Melissa McCarthy as Ursula, Javier Bardem as King Triton, and Noma Dumezweni as Queen Selina.
The film is a remake of Disney's 1989 animated film of the same name, which was loosely based on Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale. The live-action adaptation was first announced in 2016, with Rob Marshall confirmed as the director in 2017.
The Little Mermaid premiered at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on 8 May 2023, followed by its theatrical release in the United States on 26 May. The film received mixed reviews from critics and grossed over $569 million worldwide, with particularly strong box office earnings in the United Kingdom, Japan, Mexico, Brazil, and Australia.
In Australia, the film was made available for streaming on Disney+ from 6 September 2023. It can be streamed live and on-demand with a monthly or annual subscription. The film's soundtrack, featuring songs such as "Part of Your World" and "Impossible Child", also gained popularity, reaching number 1 on the Billboard Top Soundtracks chart.
The release of The Little Mermaid sparked discussions about diversity and representation, as Halle Bailey became the first woman of colour to portray Ariel in a Disney production. Bailey's version of Ariel has been praised for having more agency than the 1989 character, showcasing a modern and independent perspective.
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Streaming The Little Mermaid in Australia
The Little Mermaid, a live-action adaptation of Disney's 1989 animated film of the same name, was released in Australian cinemas on 25 May 2023. The film is based on Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale "The Little Mermaid" and stars Halle Bailey as Ariel, a mermaid princess who longs to explore the world beyond the sea. Other cast members include Jonah Hauer-King, Daveed Diggs, Awkwafina, Jacob Tremblay, Noma Dumezweni, Art Malik, Javier Bardem, and Melissa McCarthy.
The film received mixed reviews from critics and grossed over $569 million worldwide, with a particularly successful performance in Japan. It is now available to stream in Australia on several platforms, including:
- Disney+: The Little Mermaid is available to stream live and on-demand on Disney+ with a monthly or annual subscription. The streaming release date in Australia was 6 September 2023.
- Prime Video: The movie can also be streamed on Amazon's Prime Video service.
- Apple TV: Australians can also watch the movie on Apple TV.
- YouTube: The Little Mermaid is available for streaming on YouTube in Australia.
The Little Mermaid has an exciting soundtrack, with Bailey's version of "Part of Your World" released as a single before the film's release. The album reached number 1 on the Billboard Top Soundtracks chart and number 21 on the Billboard 200.
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The cast of The Little Mermaid
The 2023 live-action adaptation of Disney's 1989 animated film "The Little Mermaid" features an ensemble cast. The movie stars Halle Bailey as Ariel, the mermaid princess, and youngest daughter of King Triton, who is fascinated by the human world. Bailey's portrayal of Ariel has been praised, with critics noting that she "makes a major splash in the title role".
Other notable cast members include Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric, the dashing prince who captures Ariel's heart when she saves him from a shipwreck. Daveed Diggs, Awkwafina, Jacob Tremblay, Noma Dumezweni, and Art Malik portray supporting characters, bringing their unique talents to the film. Additionally, Javier Bardem and Melissa McCarthy's performances add to the magic of the story.
The film also introduces Danielle Marsh, who performs the Korean version of "Part of Your World," showcasing her vocal talents. Furthermore, the cast includes seasoned actors such as Melissa Fahn, who was considered for a part in the original 1989 animated film, and Jodi Benson, who voiced Ariel in the classic animation.
The 1989 animated version of "The Little Mermaid" featured a different cast, including Pat Carroll as the voice of Ursula, the sea witch. Originally, Bea Arthur was considered for the role, but after she turned it down, various actresses were contemplated, including Nancy Marchand, Nancy Wilson, and Roseanne. Ultimately, Carroll brought Ursula to life with her distinct voice. Joshua Finkel portrayed Prince Eric in key scenes, and Sherri Lynn Stoner played Ariel, bringing their own interpretations to these beloved characters.
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Differences between the 2023 film and the original
The live-action remake of "The Little Mermaid" is set to release in Australia on May 25, 2023. This highly anticipated film will bring the beloved story of Ariel and her underwater adventures to life for a new generation. With stunning visuals and a diverse cast, the 2023 version promises to be a memorable cinematic experience. Now, let's explore the differences between this upcoming film and the original animated classic:
One of the most talked-about differences is the inclusion of diverse casting in the 2023 film. Halle Bailey, a young Black actress, has been cast as Ariel, bringing a new dimension to the character and reflecting the diversity of the audience. This casting choice has been widely praised for its inclusivity and for offering a fresh take on a classic story. The 2023 film also features a diverse range of talent with Jacob Tremblay and Awkwafina voicing Flounder and Scuttle, respectively.
The original animated film, released in 1989, was a musical extravaganza with memorable songs and a lively score. While the 2023 film will still feature music and songs, it is expected to have a more modern sound and will include new songs written specifically for this adaptation. The original composer, Alan Menken, is returning to score the film, so fans can expect a beautiful blend of the familiar and the new.
In terms of storyline, the 2023 film is said to be closer to the original Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale than the 1989 animated version. It will explore the darker themes of the original story, such as the deal Ariel makes with the sea witch Ursula and the consequences of her desire to become human. This suggests that the new film may have a more mature tone and could offer a fresh perspective on the well-known tale.
Visually, the 2023 film is set to be a spectacle. With live-action and state-of-the-art visual effects, audiences will be immersed in the underwater kingdom of Atlantica. The trailer has already offered a glimpse of the stunning visuals, with vibrant colors and intricate details bringing the underwater world to life. This is a significant departure from the traditional animation style of the original film, offering a more realistic and immersive experience.
Another difference lies in the target audience. While the 1989 animated film was primarily aimed at children and families, the 2023 live-action remake seems to be targeting a wider audience, including adults who grew up with the original. With its darker themes and more mature tone, the new film may appeal to a broader age range, offering a unique experience for both long-time fans and those new to the story.
Lastly, the 2023 film is expected to have a stronger focus on the female characters and their relationships. With a female director, Rob Marshall, at the helm, the film will likely showcase strong female leads and explore their journeys and bonds. This includes Ariel's relationship with her father, King Triton, and her potential rivalry with Ursula, offering a more nuanced and empowering take on the classic story.
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The Little Mermaid's box office performance
The live-action remake of Disney's "The Little Mermaid" was released in the United States on May 26, 2023, with a premiere at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on May 8, 2023. The film is based on the 1989 Disney animated film of the same name, which was itself inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale.
The film's box office performance has been mixed. In North America, it grossed $118.6 million during the Memorial Day long weekend, which was slightly ahead of the 2019 live-action remake of "Aladdin". Overall, the film has grossed over $569 million worldwide. However, its performance in international markets has been lacklustre, with a gross of $63.8 million, including a disappointing $2.5 million from the Chinese market.
The film's production and marketing costs were reportedly $250 million and $140 million, respectively, meaning it needed to gross approximately $560 million worldwide to break even. Its weak international performance has put it behind the pace of Disney's previous live-action remakes, excluding the 2020 "Mulan" remake.
The film's biggest markets in terms of gross value were the United Kingdom ($34.1 million), Japan ($23.9 million), Mexico ($20.9 million), Brazil ($17.3 million), and Australia ($15 million). Its performance in China and South Korea was disappointing, with a gross of $3.6 million and $4.4 million, respectively, in the first 10 days.
Despite the mixed box office performance, the film's success extends beyond theatre sales. The film's soundtrack reached number 1 on the Billboard Top Soundtracks chart, and the song "Part of Your World" was released as a single before the film's release. Additionally, the film's success may also be measured by the buzz it generates for Disney's theme parks and merchandise sales.
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Frequently asked questions
'The Little Mermaid' was released in Australian cinemas on 25 May 2023.
'The Little Mermaid' was available to stream on Disney+ from 6 September 2023.
Halle Bailey plays Ariel in 'The Little Mermaid'.
The cast of 'The Little Mermaid' includes Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric, Melissa McCarthy as Ursula, Javier Bardem as King Triton, and Noma Dumezweni as Queen Selina.
Yes, 'The Little Mermaid' is a live-action remake of Disney's 1989 animated film of the same name, which was loosely based on Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale.
