It was during the D23 convention, which was held from September 9 to 11 in Anaheim and presents upcoming news from Disney studios, that Disney unveiled the very first trailer for its next live-action film, the highly anticipated remake of
The Little Mermaid
, a revisited adaptation of the tale by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, scheduled for May 2023.
The extract, which lasts a little over a minute, shows the young actress and singer Halle Bailey in the leading role of Ariel.
It gives fans a first look at the film's underwater world and Ariel's character, swimming among fish and a few sea turtles.
We can see her interpreting for a short moment the song
Part of your world
by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, the emblematic musical theme of the Disney animated film released in 1989.
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This adaptation tells the story of Ariel, the youngest daughter of King Triton, who falls in love with Prince Eric, a human, and then makes a deal with the sea witch Ursula, to be able to live on land, ultimately putting his life and his father's crown in danger.
The choice of a mixed-race actress to play Ariel – revealed in August 2019 – sparked many reactions, sometimes racist, on social networks.
Upon the release of this teaser, however, the young star received praise from Jodi Benson, who voiced Ariel in Disney's original animated version.
The latter thus declared to be “so delighted [and] so enthusiastic” after watching the trailer: “You were absolutely incredible!
she wrote on her Instagram Story, continuing, "I'm SO proud of you and your great performance as Ariel.
Halle Bailey made a name for herself as a singer in the R'n'B duo Chloe X Halle which she founded with her sister, a duo which has already received five Grammy nominations since 2018.
The film is directed by Rob Marshall (
Chicago
,
Into The Woods
and
Mary Poppins Returns
) will also feature Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric, Melissa McCarthy as the witch Ursula and Javier Bardem as the King Triton.
It will feature four new songs from original composer Alan Menken paired with Lin-Manuel Miranda.
The Little Mermaid
is set for release in May 2023
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