The Little Mermaid (Live-Action)

[PatchofBlue]

Oh I agree with you, PatchofBlue. I mean it’s unwise because Disney might not like his tweets and recast him if a sequel is made.

Gotcha'

Anyways, Menken seems to be suggesting that "Part of Your World" will in fact be the first number in the film. He didn't say anything about the placement of "Fathoms Below," but his talk about wanting to build up to "Part of Your World" has me thinking that will be our first song. I get the motivation, but I still don't feel like it's great karma to have your first musical number twenty minutes into your musical film.

[Disney's Divinity]

Menken has to be aware starting the film without music is stupid and that's his nice way of acknowledging it. We know he has little control with these films though. Unfortunately.

[Atlantis]

Well, a little resentful maybe, but he ain't wrong. Aladdin was a great film whereas they trashed this property, and I do think it's unlikely to hit a billion (could turn out to be wrong, of course). A sequel would simply be out of pity, since they generally don't suit fairytales which is why they passed on one with B&tB. Aladdin is unique in that it's rich enough of a story to fill sequels.

How is he correct?
A. The film hasnt come out yet so saying it will flop only makes him look like a hater
B. There's nothing to suggest this would get a sequel as right now they are 50/50. Maleficent got a sequel. Alice in Wonderland got a sequel. Lion King is getting a sequel. How would TLM be out of pity?
C. TLM has plenty of rich storytelling, it sustained its own animated series and created new and interesting villains.

How did they trash this property but not Aladdin? They made Genie into a black man. They had Genie fall in love and have kids. They changed plenty about the movie that wasnt like the animated film. Same.exact.thing. they are doing with this film.

Poor guy. People these days are monsters. They're just taking their aggression over the fact TLM sucks out on him. Blame the filmmakers for changing 70% of it.

Have you seen the film? Fans are happy with the reception the film has been getting.

[Disney's Divinity]

He never said it would "flop"? He said it likely wouldn't hit a billion like Aladdin did...which does look within the realm of possibility. Anyway, TLM's TV series was never as good as the ones for Aladdin or Tangled, and its sequels aren't very strong either the way Aladdin's and TLK's were (for me). And its musical was terrible.

Like was said somewhere a dozen or two pages back, I'd say the film is "more faithful" than something like Mulan was, but it's not what I would call "faithful" like Aladdin, B&tB, TLK, etc. imo. Btw, pretty avatar.

[Sotiris]

‘Little Mermaid’ Composer Alan Menken Explains Why One Original Film Song Isn’t in the Live-Action Remake
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movie ... 235487466/

The real reason is because they changed the names of Ariel's sisters and the song can't work with these new names they picked.

Menken has to be aware starting the film without music is stupid and that's his nice way of acknowledging it. We know he has little control with these films though. Unfortunately.

Yes, he's clearly trying to justify someone else's decision and he's struggling at it. Not starting out with a song is not just a problem for a musical's proper structure, it hurts the film narratively too. By opening with the human world and Fathoms Below you ease in the audiences with something familiar, you set up the central conceit of the film, and then you introduce them to the hidden, otherworldly realm where the film is going to take place. That's like storytelling 101.

[Farerb]

The movie will probably start with a boring prologue like all their recent movies do.

[Disney's Divinity]

Probably. At least "Main Titles" is still here to add some relief, but without the same impact the end. I think Aladdin still opened with "Arabian Nights," TLK with "Circle of Life," and B&tB with the beautiful prologue music and "Belle." "Fathoms Below" isn't as good of a song as "Circle of Life" or "Belle," of course, but the song suits the opening of TLM. It adds a mystique that "Main Titles" then builds upon.

Of course, I've wondered before if the first scene that introduces Ursula is still in the film or perhaps moved (that maybe Ursula's introduction scene is combined with the scene she has following POYW (reprise)). That would be bad for Ursula's character--I think you'd have the same weakness as Facilier in TP&TF of needing just one or two more scenes to make the character more involved--but it does mean the beginning would be that much shorter leading up to POYW. And with none of the pomp and circumstance of revealing Triton's palace (that no longer exists) and the trident, the gathering of the merfolk, the musical introduction of the sisters, the intro of Sebastian's own tempestuous relationship with Ariel ("If only she'd show up to rehearsals once in a while....")--all of that will be streamlined, most likely.

The real reason is because they changed the names of Ariel's sisters and the song can't work with these new names they picked.

It's just weird to me. They haven't had a problem altering several other songs in the film (the second half of PUS being the worst offender to me). Changing the names that are sung would be one of the less noticeable changes--much like the one word change to Ursula's spell at the very of "PUS". But to me it remains sort of stupid in a pointless way that they aren't named the same anyway. I mean, why couldn't fantasy names like Aquata or Attina have fit on the sisters here? Lord knows modern Disney loves their female characters to have names that end in -a's (Elsa, Anna, Asha, Moana, Raya, Tiana, Elena, Sofia, etc.); that all those names begin with an A, too, should've been an even bigger plus.

[Atlantis]

He never said it would "flop"? He said it likely wouldn't hit a billion like Aladdin did...which does look within the realm of possibility. Anyway, TLM's TV series was never as good as the ones for Aladdin or Tangled, and its sequels aren't very strong either the way Aladdin's and TLK's were (for me). And its musical was terrible.

Like was said somewhere a dozen or two pages back, I'd say the film is "more faithful" than something like Mulan was, but it's not what I would call "faithful" like Aladdin, B&tB, TLK, etc. imo. Btw, pretty avatar.

Saying that it wouldn't make as much as Aladdin is lowkey saying it would flop. It wouldnt be amongst the ranks of Aladdin, BatB, Lion King, Maleficent, Alice in Wonderland. That it would do less but still get a sequel BECAUSE OF REASONS. It's shade.

‘Little Mermaid’ Composer Alan Menken Explains Why One Original Film Song Isn’t in the Live-Action Remake
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movie ... 235487466/

....sure jan. They didnt want to take away from Ariels first song? It wouldnt have in any way, shape or form but...ok.

[Farerb]

Halle's Ariel:
https://youtu.be/qIwYjJThvPc

[D82]

Apparently, the opening weekend is expected to be a bit higher now:

Thursday’s tracking reports also brought revised forecasts for several other high-profile films. The Little Mermaid’s estimated opening has increased from $110 million to between $115 million and $120 million (the Disney live-action pic opens over Memorial Day).

Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movie ... 235485329/

Eurovision TV Spot:
https://youtu.be/wBXYKp8H_TA

I think it's the first time I see Disney making a promo for Eurovision. And it's from Disney Spain! I wonder if other European countries also got the same promo.

Here's some more new stuff:

TV spots
https://twitter.com/LittleMermaid/statu ... 4492795909
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4I0CMOVtoY

Other promos
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/uu7C_vzkcAc
https://twitter.com/DisneyStudiosPH/sta ... 4189229063
https://twitter.com/ESTDELREYY/status/1 ... 9874873344
https://twitter.com/LittleMermaid/statu ... 2537118722
https://twitter.com/LittleMermaid/statu ... 5668135936
https://twitter.com/LittleMermaid/statu ... 9570639872
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzXNmbzblHw

Ursula clip side-by-side comparison
https://twitter.com/juan_g_lopez605/sta ... 4355271697

Ariel banner in better quality
https://twitter.com/mmdisney200/status/ ... 6428645382
https://twitter.com/TheCursedPrinc/stat ... 9305839628
https://www.instagram.com/p/CsMODQou5q2/

More photos of billboards, theatrical standees, etc.
https://twitter.com/worldagainstjos/sta ... 7000174592
https://twitter.com/worldagainstjos/sta ... 9421320194
https://twitter.com/Archiechoke2017/sta ... 0973751296
https://twitter.com/fashionbombx/status ... 0249577472
https://twitter.com/eschaszene/status/1 ... 7074141187
https://twitter.com/megumihotnerd/statu ... 4652480522
https://www.instagram.com/p/CsH0p2vNor8/

Photos and video of the Mexico premiere
https://twitter.com/LittleMermaid/statu ... 9615540226
https://twitter.com/LittleMermaid/statu ... 9197756418

I feel so hyped for this movie!!
The pre-sale just started today in Mexico, only dub versions unfortunately in my city
I wonder why Part of your world dubbed has been released in Italy, Japan, Spain, but not Latin America. I wonder if they will cast someone famous for the latin american spanish dub.

I don't know if you've already seen it or not, but apparently the Latin-American cast has been revealed. I'm sure they'll soon release the Latin American version of "Part of Your World" too. Here are some more international versions of the song:

Polish version
Polish version (music video)
Chinese version
Taiwanese version
Korean version (sneak peek at the music video)

I saw a commercial that Halle Bailey will be on American Idol, performing "Part of Your World," I expect.

Yes, she'll perform "Part of Your World". Disney has released a new promo announcing her participation in the show. And here are some upcoming talk show appearances by the cast and other events like international premieres. Some talk show appearances scheduled for last week were cancelled due to the screenwriter strike.

May 15th - London Premiere; Awkwafina on GMA & Live with Kelly and Mark
May 18th - Halle Bailey on Live with Kelly and Mark, GMA, GMA3 & Tamron Hall
May 19th - Soundtrack release; Madrid Premiere; Daveed Diggs on Live With Kelly and Mark & The View
May 22nd - Sydney Premiere; review embargo lifts

Source: https://twitter.com/vannabeme/status/16 ... 0565410816

[Vlad]

Here's the live "Part of your World" performance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCKna5ZoyN4

She even sang the "wanderin' free" line as in the recording, held out the same high notes, I can't.... So much raw emotion in this performance. Can't wait to hear the full reprise.

[Disney's Divinity]

She made me think of Ariana Grande with the weird enunciations. At first, I thought she was simply lipsyncing to the recording, but there was one difference (that was better than the recording). The "I want MORE" line--the "more" wasn't so garishly loud in that live performance as in the recording. So I think she probably sung it live just before and then lipsynced to the live audio like they do at the Superbowl with the National Anthem.

Honest;y, it's okay like all the Disneymania covers, but the only part of it that's actually good is parts of the ending "When's it my turn?" through "Out of the sea...." But as time goes by, I agree more with others who didn't like the "Wish I could BEEEEEEeeeeEEeeEe" line.

[blackcauldron85]

She made me think of Ariana Grande with the weird enunciations...Honest;y, it's okay like all the Disneymania covers, ...But as time goes by, I agree more with others who didn't like the "Wish I could BEEEEEEeeeeEEeeEe" line.

It reminded me of Ariana and Disneymania as well (not in a bad way- I love those albums). I'm more used to her BEEEEEEeeeeEEeeEe line now... She does have a beautiful voice.

[D82]

• Photos from the London Premiere. The red carpet itself was very cool, don't you think? There are videos too on Disney UK's Twitter account and the film's Instagram account's stories.


• New TV spot and a couple of promos:

Booking.com commercial
Instagram promo with Halle Bailey


• Appearances by the cast and Alan Menken on US and UK talk shows:

Awkwafina on GMA
Awkwafina on Live with Kelly and Mark
Halle Bailey and Jonah Hauer-King on Lorraine
Alan Menken on This Morning


Something I've been wondering is why Lin-Manuel Miranda hasn't attended any premiere so far and hasn't done much press for the film either. Does anyone know why? Is he shooting a movie or working on some new project at the moment, or does he want to leave the spotlight to Alan Menken?

‘The Little Mermaid’ left Halle Bailey ‘tired’ and ‘isolated.’ And she thanked God for it

Throughout the lonely, lengthy shoot, Bailey found on-set support in McCarthy and Benson, who makes a cameo in a scene set on land. “She told me how proud she was of me and how I’m handling everything, and encouraged me to just go for it,” Bailey said of Benson. “I appreciate her for being so warm and welcoming to me because she’s the GOAT, and it was important to me to get her stamp of approval.”

https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-a ... iel-disney

It's nice seeing Jodi Benson supporting Halle. She also posted this video of the two meeting at the premiere on her Instagram. Another interesting thing she posted is that her gown for the premiere had her favorite lyrics from "Part of Your World" and the names of Howard Ashman & Alan Menken, Pat, Sam, Ken and René embroidered on it.

The reason I will not pay to see this movie is mainly because it is my way of saying to Disney "please stop these damn remakes". I have not liked ANY of them, and they have ranged from severely mediocre to pile-of-sh**. I actually left the theater upset a couple of times when seeing these remakes. And like you, I have zero intention of ever seeing them again. (I admit the Jungle Book one was passable)

I also admit that the fact that half (or more) of this movie takes place under water... which, in my opinion, can't be done in a believable way in live action. So it's already a losing battle. But I do intend to watch this movie when it becomes available digitally.

Thanks for answering! I totally understand your reasons for not seeing them in theaters. Yeah, most of them are quite mediocre. I would boicot them too if I knew that would make them stop remaking their classics, but I doubt I would change anything since so many people like them.

Since you are in Spain... I have a question about TLM'89 for you: how do you feel about the two spanish dubs? thoughts? preferences?

(actually, the new spanish version of POYW sounds pretty good)

I grew up with the Latin-American dub or "neutral Spanish" one and I'm obviously very fond of it. I've actually never seen the film with the other dub, the one made in Spain. I've only heard some snippets in trailers and TV spots. To me the voices I grew up with are part of the characters; that's why I haven't even wanted to watch the other version.

I don't know which one is more popular in Spain now. Probably, the new generations are growing up with the new one, since it's the one that plays by default on DVDs/Blu-rays or on Disney+. But when it was first introduced in 1998, when the film was re-released in theaters, it was probably met with backlash because when it arrived on home video some months later, it had the old dub. Nowadays, both are available whenever the film is re-released on home video.

I agree the remake's version of "Part of Your World" for Spain sounds quite good. And I'm glad they decided to use the lyrics from the first dub. Hopefully, that helps make the dub popular again here (if it's not).

By the way, did you know Ursula was voiced by an actual drag queen in it? I didn't learn that until quite recently and I never would've guessed it. Well, when Ursula turns big at the climax I always thought she sounded a bit like a man, but I supposed the voice changed along with her size. It happens a bit with her voice in the English dub as well. Another curious thing is that Eric (and Chef Louis) was voiced by Demián Bichir, who now works in Hollywood and has even been nominated for an Oscar.

That makes no sense. Why would they have her hum it and not sing it? What's the purpose of that? The only reason I can think of is they didn't want the voice of a black actress coming out of a white character. Ridiculous. By the way, have you heard if the choral reprise of POYW during the finale made the cut or not? It's unlikely it did, but who knows?

No, I haven't heard anything about the "Part of Your World" finale. Regarding Vanessa, Ariel's voice will come out of her anyway if they keep her introduction when she hypnotizes Eric. Though, maybe they've changed that too. One possibility that occurs to me for cutting the reprise is that perhaps her role is a bit expanded here and she'll talk more (in the original she barely speaks) and the actress they chose has quite a different voice from Ariel. Perhaps they thought the contrast between the speaking and the singing voice would be too jarring.

I don't think a wedding would have stopped them. Aladdin and Jasmine got married in the remake and a sequel was announced not long after. The reason was clearly political. They didn't want Ariel to marry someone she hasn't known for very long.

You're right about Aladdin. They could've just had the wedding take place a year later or something like that, but I guess it must be the reason you mentioned.

So, no sea foam dress? Ariel emerging from the water in her sea foam dress was one of the coolest moments in the original. I'm guessing that's gone too, then. Are the filmmakers trying to sabotage this film? Some of the changes they've made are truly mind-boggling.

No, the sea foam dress has now been confirmed not to be in the movie by someone who was at the Mexico premiere.

[Disney Duster]

Couldn't Vanessa speak in Ariel's voice as well as sing? It was like that in the original movie. There's a big difference when Vanessa says, "Eric, get away from her!" in Ursula's voice after her seashell necklace that Ariel's voice was in breaks.

[Marce82]

First, a general note: I don't think Bailey is singing live in that clip from the park. The vocal performance is basically identical to the OST. Any mild variation I would attribute to the sound engineering.

Hey D82!

Yeah, my boycott may be microscopic, but at least I feel I'm doing my part to stop them. Hahaha.

Thanks for your comments about the dub. I grew up with the neutral one as well; I do think the performances are superior to the Spaniard one (specially Ursula). The lyric adaptations in the Spaniard one are very good though. I have only watched the songs, never the entire movie. I happen to think the neutral dub is one of the best dubs Disney ever made in Spanish.

I did know that trivia about the original dub! I actually think Ursula has a more manly voice in English than Spanish. And I think her voice is supposed to get lower in both versions when Ursula gets huge. Pretty progressive for them to get a real drag queen to voice the character back then! From what I understand, the dub director had been listening to women for the part, and came across one of Serena Olvido's performances and felt the voice was perfect for Ursula.
He/They/She (?) was brought back to voice the character in a couple of episodes of the TLM series.

[Farerb]

Why did they decide to redub the movie for its rerelease?
They never did it here for any movie, only for the Little Mermaid TV series and that's because there was a technical issue with the original audio of some of the episodes (luckily I have VHS recordings of the original dub).

[Marce82]

Fareb,

To be clear, I am talking specifically about the Spanish dub for Disney films:

Disney generally doesn't redub movies (in Spanish at least), unless it is for legal reasons. Re-dubs have ONLY been done to SW, Cinderella, LatT and SB, because some of the actors sued Disney for royalties, and Disney didn't want to pay. (note: the first 5 features DID have different dubs done at the time of release but there were issues with them, so they were re-dubbed in the early 60's -except Pinocchio- but that is a long story)

Until 1991, all Disney movies were dubbed with a "neutral" spanish (mostly done in Mexico) for all countries where the language is spoken. With the release of BATB, Spain decided to start doing their own dub, using their own actors (with the local accent), recording studio, audio engineers, translators etc. (I am told this was done for financial reasons... all those jobs would otherwise be "lost" to Mexico if they didn't produce their own dub). When TLM was re-released in 1997 in theaters, Spain decided to do their own dub for the movie, which was not met favorably by the public.

I am told that the 1998 VHS release in Spain, there were so many complaints and returned VHS tapes, that they recalled the VHS and re-released it with the neutral 1989 dub. Since then, Spain always get both dub options on home media/streaming.

[UmbrellaFish]

Have any of these voice actors returned to dub the live action remakes?

[Farerb]

Have any of these voice actors returned to dub the live action remakes?

I can tell you that in my country they usually aren't back because Disney stopped investing in dubs here, so they take people who are cheap and the ones who used to do the originals were professional singers or theater actors and they usually tend to ask for more money. The dubs have gone downhill in here since the early 2000s, the last good dub was in The Incredibles in 2004, although I did like the dub for The Black Cauldron that was done in 2014, but they brought back the original dubbing director who did all the dubs for all the classics.