All Changes ‘The Little Mermaid’ 2023 Made From The Original Disney Classic

All Changes ‘The Little Mermaid’ 2023 Made From The Original Disney Classic

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Disney’s live-action retelling of The Little Mermaid has finally made its debut. While staying true to the 1989 animated masterpiece and the original Hans Christian Andersen story, the 2023 adaptation presents an array of surprising and thrilling changes. Modifying an iconic tale like The Little Mermaid always comes with inherent risks, but with the guidance of director Rob Marshall, the vibrant musical seizes upon these alterations to deliver one of Disney’s most remarkable remakes thus far. 

Ursula Is Ariel’s Aunt & King Triton’s Sister 

All Changes ‘The Little Mermaid’ 2023 Made From The Original Disney Classic
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The 2023 remake of The Little Mermaid unveils Ursula (Melissa McCarthy) as King Triton’s sister, introducing an unexpected family tie. Their relationship remains shrouded in mystery, yet their unresolved conflict fuels long-lasting bitterness. In contrast to the original, Ursula’s portrayal in the remake showcases a heightened ruthlessness, implying her inclination to outright murder those who challenge her, evident through the presence of skulls and skeletons in her lair.

A Human Killed Ariel’s Mother 

The 1989 original of The Little Mermaid briefly mentions Ariel’s mother without providing much detail. King Triton struggles as a single parent to his seven daughters, especially the rebellious Ariel. In The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning, a straight-to-video prequel, it is revealed that Ariel’s mother tragically died in a freak accident caused by a human ship. Similarly, the 2023 version implicates humans in Ariel’s mother’s demise. However, the film hints that her death was the result of an intentional act by a single human, rather than a ship-related incident. The specifics remain unexplored, but the dialogue implies that Triton’s wife was deliberately killed rather than accidentally.

The Little Mermaid Has Three Original Songs From Lin-Manuel Miranda.

All Changes ‘The Little Mermaid’ 2023 Made From The Original Disney Classic
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Lin-Manuel Miranda, known for Hamilton and Moana, contributes three original songs to The Little Mermaid’s live-action remake. “Wild Uncharted Waters” is a powerful ballad sung by Prince Eric, expressing his determination to find the woman who saved him. Ariel’s internal song, “For the First Time,” reflects her passion and skepticism as she enters Eric’s castle without a voice. Additionally, there’s “The Scuttlebutt,” an eloquently titled rap by Scuttle, revealing Eric’s plan to marry a disguised Ursula. Sebastian tries to extract this crucial information while Scuttle amusingly sings about his “Scuttlebutt.”

Ariels And Eric’s End Indicates A New Start 

In the 2023 film, the ending closely mirrors the original. Triton accepts his daughter’s independence, fulfilling her desire to become human, and Ariel and Eric discover their blissful happily ever after. However, their tale doesn’t conclude with a mere wedding. Instead, it signifies the commencement of a thrilling new chapter. The couple embarks on an adventurous journey to explore uncharted oceanic realms, craving a life filled with boundless possibilities—a world untouched by any mermaid or man before them.

Ariel’s Sisters Are Future Leaders 

All Changes ‘The Little Mermaid’ 2023 Made From The Original Disney Classic
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The original film, The Little Mermaid, introduces King Triton’s seven daughters who participate in a musical performance under the guidance of Sebastian the Crab. Ariel, the youngest daughter, is notably absent from the show, creating a commotion. In the 2023 remake, Triton’s daughters have a more active and responsible role in the underwater kingdom. Rather than being performers, they are being trained to become capable leaders. Triton convenes his daughters for an annual meeting to prepare for the upcoming Coral Moon festivities. However, Ariel chooses to explore shark-infested shipwrecks, echoing her adventurous nature from the original version.

Ariel Deals The Final Blow To Ursula Instead Of Eric 

The climactic battle in the original film showcases Ursula obtaining immense power by stealing King Triton’s trident, ready to eliminate anyone who stands in her way. Ariel becomes her primary target, rendered powerless as the deceitful sea witch prepares to erase her existence. Fortunately, Eric arrives just in time, impaling the colossal tyrant with the bow of his ship. In the 2023 version, a similar sequence of events unfolds, but with a significant twist. Eric still plays a vital role in the fight, diverting Ursula’s attention while Ariel formulates a solution. Utilizing one of the shipwrecks brought to the surface by Ursula’s typhoon, Ariel seizes the opportunity to impale the monstrous antagonist with a massive vessel, ultimately saving her beloved Eric.

Eric Is An Orphan Who Became A Prince

All Changes ‘The Little Mermaid’ 2023 Made From The Original Disney Classic
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The 2023 remake delves into Prince Eric’s family history in greater detail. In the original, he is a kind-hearted nobleman who falls in love with Ariel after she saves him, with little exploration of his background. However, the 2023 version expands Eric’s character significantly. It is revealed that he is an orphan who arrived in his future kingdom through a shipwreck during his childhood. Queen Selina, portrayed by Noma Dumezweni, acts as his adoptive mother. Eric’s mysterious past becomes a driving force behind his desire to explore the uncharted ocean, as he hopes to uncover the truth about his biological parents, should they still be alive.