Disney’s live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid has the potential to significantly alter the animated classic and enhance its cast of characters. It can do this with Ursula (Melissa McCarthy) by delving into her past and relationship with another character.
Something About Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid is the latest Disney animated film to receive a live-action remake, continuing the company’s trend. The 1989 animated adaptation, which has significant changes to the plot to make it more family-friendly and less dark, is loosely based on the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale of the same name, published in 1837.
Directed By
Rob Marshall is in charge of directing the live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid, which features new lyrics written by Lin-Manuel Miranda and music by Alan Menken for a more upbeat feel.
The Plot
The Little Mermaid adopts the plot of the animated film, following the title character, mermaid Ariel (Halle Bailey), as she changes into a human after falling in love with Prince Eric (Jonah Hauer-King), a human.
However, in exchange for this transformation, Ariel strikes a deal with sea witch Ursula, who steals Ariel’s voice in exchange for doing so. One of the most well-known Disney villains is Ursula. Still, the live-action version has the opportunity to make this undersea baddie better by revealing her true motivations and past.
Ursula, who by then had been exiled for years, charms Ariel into accepting their arrangement to turn Ariel human while Ursula takes her voice, but it’s all part of a broader scheme in Disney’s The Little Mermaid.
Read More About This Exciting Plot
To obtain King Triton’s trident and, after that, declare herself Queen of the Seven Seas, which she does at the conclusion before being slain, Ursula plans to use Ariel as a ransom. In The Little Mermaid, Ursula’s hatred for King Triton isn’t described beyond Triton banishing her years earlier; the cause isn’t revealed either. Thus her vengeance against Triton and Ariel ultimately lacks motive.
Stage Musical
The Little Mermaid stage musical addressed this aspect of Ursula’s history and saved a notion that was supposed to be used in the movie: Ursula and Triton being siblings. It is obvious that Triton and Ursula have a history, but exactly what and why is never explained in the animated film. The musical recounted that once Triton and Ursula’s father passed away, they were each granted an equal portion of the ocean and two magical objects: Ursula’s enchanted Nautilus shell, which she later uses to preserve Ariel’s voice, and the trident that Triton wields. Even though they were intended to rule the seas jointly, Ursula was exiled due to her avarice and use of dark magic to usurp Triton. Later, the narrative was revised.
