Analyzing the Narrative of The Little Mermaid Live-Action Remake

Disney's live-action remakes have become a trend in recent years, with classics like Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King being given a new lease of life on the big screen. One of the most highly anticipated live-action remakes is that of The Little Mermaid, which is set to dive into theaters soon. In this blog post, we will analyze the narrative of The Little Mermaid live-action remake and explore what changes may be made to bring this beloved tale to life once again.

The Original Story

The Little Mermaid is a classic fairy tale written by Hans Christian Andersen in 1837. It tells the story of a young mermaid named Ariel who dreams of becoming human after falling in love with a prince she saves from drowning. In order to become human, Ariel makes a deal with an evil sea witch and sacrifices her voice for legs. However, things do not go as planned, and Ariel must face various challenges to find her happily ever after.

The Animated Adaptation

In 1989, Disney released an animated adaptation of The Little Mermaid that became one of their most successful films at the time. This version introduced iconic songs like "Part of Your World" and "Under the Sea" while staying relatively faithful to Andersen's original story. It was praised for its animation, music, and strong characters.

Live-Action Remake Possibilities

As with any live-action remake, there are bound to be changes and updates to the original story. The Little Mermaid live-action remake has already generated buzz with its casting choices, including Halle Bailey as Ariel and Melissa McCarthy as Ursula. These casting decisions alone suggest a more diverse and inclusive adaptation.

Furthermore, director Rob Marshall has expressed his desire to make the live-action remake a "contemporary version of the story." This could mean exploring themes such as feminism, environmentalism, and acceptance. Given the current social climate and Disney's recent efforts to be more inclusive in their storytelling, it seems likely that The Little Mermaid live-action remake will address these issues in some way.

Potential Changes

One possible change that could be made in the live-action remake is giving Ariel more agency and independence. In the original story and animated adaptation, Ariel often relies on others to solve her problems or make decisions for her. The live-action remake could present Ariel as a stronger character who takes charge of her own destiny.

Another change that might occur is an expansion of certain characters' backstories. For example, we may learn more about Ursula's motivations for wanting Ariel's voice or Prince Eric's life before meeting Ariel. These additional narratives could add depth to the story and provide audiences with a richer understanding of the characters.

The Importance of Adaptation

While purists may argue against any changes being made to beloved stories like The Little Mermaid, it is important to remember that adaptation allows for new interpretations and perspectives. A live-action remake offers an opportunity to explore different aspects of the narrative and breathe new life into familiar characters.

Moreover, adapting stories for different mediums can help bridge generational gaps. Parents who grew up watching the animated version of The Little Mermaid can now share the live-action remake with their children, creating a shared experience and promoting discussions about the differences between the two versions.

Conclusion

The Little Mermaid live-action remake is an exciting project that has sparked curiosity and anticipation among fans. While we can't know for certain what changes will be made to the narrative, it is clear that Disney aims to create a contemporary adaptation that addresses current social issues. Whether through stronger character development or expanded backstories, this live-action remake has the potential to captivate audiences of all ages while staying true to the heart of the original story.