All the way back in 2016, Disney announced that they were developing a live-action remake of the classic film, The Little Mermaid. The remake was just one of many remakes Disney was going to remake. Disney has also remade Cinderella, The Jungle Book, Pete’s Dragon, The Lion King, and Mulan, among others.
Details on The Little Mermaid were scant, but over time, it was announced that Halle Bailey would be playing the titular sea creature. Javier Bardem was also announced for the role of the sea king, King Triton. Hamilton star Daveed Diggs was given the role of Sebastian and comedian Awkwafina will be playing Ariel’s friend Scuttle.
Also cast in the new movie is veteran comedic actress Melissa McCarthy — who will play the sea witch Ursula. Some were surprised to see McCarthy cast in a musical role, considering she has never been in a musical. One of those who was surprised — and slightly disappointed — was superstar singer Lizzo. Lizzo had expressed interest in the past for The Little Mermaid role.
Lizzo recently spoke to Variety and shared that she had actually run into Melissa McCarthy and told her that she had auditioned for the role McCarthy ended up getting. Per Variety:
Lizzo ended up running into McCarthy during the taping of Adele’s “One Night Only” CBS concert special in Los Angeles, and the two women bonded over their shared Ursula history.
“She was like, ‘Hi, I’m Melissa,’” Lizzo said. “And I was like, ‘Hi, I’m Melissa. And I also auditioned for Ursula.’ And she was like, ‘Well, why the hell did I get the part?,’ which is a classic Melissa McCarthy thing to say. And then I was like, ‘Girl, because my audition was terrible.’ And I say that as Tyler Perry walks by. And I was like — ruined my chances there. And then she goes, ‘This is my daughter Vivian.’ And I’m like, ‘Get out of here, because my name is Melissa Viviane.’ We were looking at each other like, ‘What the hell is going on?’”
After a series of delays due to COVID, filming has wrapped on the live-action film, and it is currently in post-production. Disney has announced that the film will be released on Memorial Day weekend, hitting theaters on May 26, 2023. Even though the film is being released later than originally expected, Bailey has assured fans that it is worth the wait.
Disney Cruise Line has unveiled new details about the two brand- new theatrical productions coming to its newest ship just days after the shows were first announced during a presentation by Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro at Destination D23 on Saturday.
Setting sail in summer 2022, the Disney Wish will debut two original stage spectaculars in its state-of-the-art Walt Disney Theatre: an innovative, Broadway-style take on Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “The Little Mermaid” and an embarkation day celebration helmed by Captain Minnie, Goofy and an all-star cast of Disney and Pixar characters. Up on deck, guests will rock out to an all-new pirate deck party complete with fan- favorite fireworks at sea.
Stunning Stage Shows at the Walt Disney Theatre
A hallmark of the Disney Cruise Line experience is the unparalleled live entertainment performed in the Walt Disney Theatre. On the Disney Wish, this elegant 1,274-seat show palace will evoke an enchanted forest inspired by scenes from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Fantasia,” with orchestra and balcony seating spanning three decks. The theater will be equipped with state-of the-art technology, including the most robust projection mapping capabilities of any Disney ship and a Dolby Atmos 3D audio system — a first for the cruise industry — to create a transformative theatrical experience rivaling anything on land or at sea.
A Treasure Retold – ‘Disney The Little Mermaid’
“Disney The Little Mermaid” will be an original Broadway-style stage adaptation of the renowned 1989 Disney Animation film developed exclusively for the Disney Wish. During this one-of-a-kind theatrical production, audiences will rediscover the iconic scenes, acclaimed music and beloved characters of “The Little Mermaid” while experiencing the story like never before.
In this modern-day retelling, the curtain will rise on an enchanted treasure chest at the moment it is discovered by a group of storytellers, led by a special young woman who has the power to unlock its magic.As they uncover the whozits and whatzits galore hidden within the trunk, the storytellers will take on the rolesof Ariel, Ursula, Prince Eric, Sebastian, Flounder and more, bringing to life the immersive undersea world right before guests’ eyes. They’ll put their own contemporary spin on the timeless story of a young woman’search for independence, love and a place in the world.
The creative minds at Disney Cruise Line have joined forces with a team of top Broadway talent to bring this treasured tale to life through an elaborate, whimsical and resonant storytelling experience that will offer audiences a brand-new way to be part of Ariel’s world.
“Disney The Little Mermaid” will feature innovative theatrical design, dazzling special effects, artistic choreography, and a reimagined script and score that will surprise and delight guests of all ages.
New orchestrations of favorite songs like “Part of Your World,” “Poor Unfortunate Souls” and “Under the Sea” will enchant audiences with moving ensemble pieces and breathtaking production numbers. Unexpectedly playful scenic designs and state-of-the-art video projections will transform the Walt Disney Theatre into 360-degree undersea environment.
Contemporary, interpretive costuming will reflect the show’s unique blending of a modern setting and a mystical, fantastical story. Cutting-edge puppetry will animate fantastical sea creatures and characters such as Sebastian, Flounder, Scuttle, and Flotsam and Jetsam in never-before-seen ways.
“‘The Little Mermaid’ is a timeless story, one that transcends generations,” said Shelby Jiggetts-Tivony, vice president, creative and advanced development, Disney Live Entertainment. “Our hope is that this new stage adaptation aboard the Disney Wish continues that incredible legacy, not by simply reenacting the elements that make the original film so powerful, but by reinterpreting it in a way that resonates with the audience sitting in the theater each night.”
An Embarkation Celebration – ‘Disney Seas the Adventure’
On their first night aboard this enchanted ship, Disney Wish guests will embark on a musical voyage into some of their favorite stories during an original musical spectacular, “Disney Seas the Adventure.” When Captain Minnie hands over the helm to her dear friend Goofy, he’ll set sail into uncharted waters on a journey to discover his own inner captain.
Along the way, Goofy will encounter a bevy of bold, brave and brilliant Disney and Pixar friends who encourage him to lead with his heart through rousing renditions of iconic Disney songs.
Tiana will teach Goofy the power of hard work to make a dream come true during a lively performance of “Almost There” from Disney Animation’s “The Princess and the Frog.”
Goofy will navigate to the big ocean blue where Crush and Squirt — the tubular turtles from Pixar’s “Finding Nemo” — show him how to “Go with the Flow” in a high-energy production of the song fanswill recognize from “Finding Nemo – The Musical” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
In an original arrangement exclusive to this show, heroines Elsa, Moana and Merida will perform a powerful medley of “Let it Go,” “How Far I’ll Go” and “Touch the Sky,” emboldening Goofy to go into the unknown.
When Goofy loses his way and self-doubt takes hold once again, he’ll gain the courage to “Go the Distance” with the help of Hercules and a host of heroes from a variety of Disney films.
The adventure will culminate in a cavalcade of characters joining Captain Minnie and Goofy on stage during a grand farewell before leading guests out of the theater and into the Grand Hall for an unforgettable sendoff experience – the ultimate “kiss goodnight” to close guests’ first day on board.
A Reimagined Favorite – ‘Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular’
As previously announced, the Disney Wish will also feature a reimagined adaptation of “Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular,” a guest-favorite show from across the fleet. This fast-paced musical comedy is based on the classic Disney Animation tale of Aladdin meeting the Genie, battling the evil Jafar and falling in love with Princess Jasmine.
Iconic scenes and songs from the movie will be re-created on stage with brand-new sets and theater-filling projection design developed exclusively for the Disney Wish. Highlights include a lively, Las Vegas-style rendition of “Friend Like Me”; a breathtaking performance of “A Whole New World” atop a flying magic carpet; and a solo performance for Jasmine titled “To Be Free,” created for Disney Cruise Line by Grammy Award-winning composer Alan Menken.
Signature Pirate Night with a Rock-and-Roll Twist
Another guest-favorite Disney Cruise Line experience will return aboard the Disney Wish in an all-new way with the premiere of Pirate’s Rockin’ Parlay Party, a new take on the fleet’s signature nighttime deck celebration sure to delight landlubbers and freebooters alike.
On one special night of every voyage, guests of all ages can don their most swashbuckling pirate garb and head to the upper decks for a rollicking rock-and-roll extravaganza unlike anything on the high seas, complete with fireworks at sea like only Disney can do.
Hosted by Captain Redd — a descendent of the famous red-headed rogue from the Pirates of the Caribbean theme park attractions — the show will feature live music, remarkable stunts, special effects and plenty of surprises. Throughout the party, she and her band of head-banging buccaneers will perform famous radio hits from the genre, plus a rockin’ rendition of the classic pirate tune “Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me).”
When Redd assembles a fearsome council of captains, including the notorious scoundrel Captain Jack Sparrow, they’ll unlock a sparkling treasure that lights the night sky: a fantastic fireworks display underscored by an original arrangement of the sensational soundtrack from the Walt Disney Studios “Pirates in the Caribbean” films.
Other Entertainment
In true Disney Cruise Line fashion, the Disney Wish will offer a robust menu of world-class entertainment throughout every voyage. In addition to original stage spectaculars and exhilarating deck parties, guests will enjoy immersive dining experiences themed to “Frozen” and Marvel; first-run films in the ship’s two boutique cinemas; one-of-a-kind character experiences and programming for kids of all ages; fun family activities in new venues like Luna and Hero Zone; tailored programming for adults every evening; and so much more.
Maiden Voyage and Inaugural Season
The Disney Wish will sail its maiden voyage on June 9, 2022, followed by a season of three- and four-night cruises to Nassau, Bahamas, and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, from Port Canaveral, Florida.
Actress Melissa McCarthy landed the role of Ursula in Disney’s live-action remake of The Little Mermaid, and she just couldn’t be happier.
“The world of Disney and (director) Rob Marshall is a world that I wish everyone could experience because it’s so creative, kind, and lovely,” the Ghostbusters actress gushed. “Going to singing class every day, I got to record with an orchestra, which is a mind-bender for someone who is not a singer, but it was such a fun process.”
The new take on the story of Ariel has been in the works for a while now, and though filming has ended, the release date isn’t slated for a while yet: 2023, to be exact.
The film is directed by Rob Marshall. Original composer Alan Menken has been on hand to create music for the new film, and the ever-talented Lin-Manuel Miranda has lent his creative talents to music for the film as well.
Grownish actress Halle Bailey stars as Ariel in the retelling of the tale of the mermaid who longs for legs and her willingness to do what it takes to get them. This is Bailey’s first major film role.
Javier Bardem plays Ariel’s father, King Triton, and Jonah Hauer-King plays the role of Ariel’s love interest, Prince Eric. (Sorry, Harry Styles.)
Actress Awkwafina plays Scuttle the Seagull, and Daveed Diggs plays King Triton’s chief assistant crustacean, Sebastian, and Jacob Tremblay plays Ariel’s sidekick (or sideswimmer?) Flounder.
Melissa McCarthy, who says Ursula is one of her favorite villains, happily plays the role of the evil sea witch who hopes to take Ariel’s voice and keep her from Prince Eric.
“It’s going to be incredible,” McCarthy shared. “To me, Ursula is everything. She’s one of my absolute favorite villains so to play her was delicious.”
Though it’s not her first major role, The Little Mermaidwill be the first musical in which McCarthy has starred, and we can’t wait to see the transformation of McCarthy into the half-human/half-octopus Ursula!
Samuel E. Wright, who voiced Sebastian in Disney’s The Little Mermaid, has passed away at age 74.
In addition to The Little Mermaid, Wright voiced Sebastian in both direct-to-video sequels, the TV series, and other Disney media. He also voiced Kron the Iguanodon in Disney’s Dinosaur. He originated the role of Mufasa in The Lion King on Broadway.
Wright’s other credits include Simon & Simon, The Cosby Show, and All My Children. He co-starred as a lead in Enos, the short-lived spin-off to The Dukes of Hazzard. On Broadway, he also appeared in Jesus Christ Superstar and Pippin.
Wright is survived by his wife, Amanda, and three children.
Disney has announced a limited-time dining offering at Epcot in celebration of “The Little Mermaid”! Located in Future World, Coral Reef Restaurant will be offering a commemorative menu to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Disney’s animated classic, “The Little Mermaid.” With menu items like the Dinglehopper Shrimp Cocktail, Chef Louis’ Lobster Seafood Boil, and King Triton’s Key Lime Tart.
When you dine here, you’ll also be able to take home a beautiful commemorative menu (only available while supplies last). This limited-time menu will be available starting Oct. 19.
