Star-studded cast pays homage to original animation, but breathes new life into live-action ‘The Little Mermaid’

PHILADELPHIA CREAM — The highly anticipated live-action version of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” is now in theaters.

It took director Rob Marshall and his all-star cast about five years to bring the 1989 animated classic to life.

In the new film, you’ll hear beloved classics and new music, thanks to a magical collaboration between original film composer Alan Menken and the mighty Lin-Manuel Miranda.

The film expands on the original script while honoring the timeless tale.

“It’s been a beautiful journey for us to take on this reimagining of the film,” said Halle Bailey, who plays Ariel. “I couldn’t be more grateful.”

Ariel and her cast of precious friends under the sea are star-studded. Melissa McCarthy is Ursula.

“It was daunting, terrifying and delicious,” she laughed.

Javier Bardem is Ariel’s father, King Triton.

“Ariel is really fighting for her own voice in a way that maybe in the original was different,” Bardem said. “Now she really commands her destiny.”

Akwafina is Scuttle, and she gets a brand new song, one of three new melodies.

Another belongs to Prince Eric, whose character takes a deep dive.

“Getting to know him, we understood them so much better and understood why they fell in love with each other,” said Jonah Hauer-King, who plays Prince Eric. “Their relationship really felt like they were stepping out of a friendship and coming together as soul mates.”

Jacob Tremblay, also the voice of Disney’s “Luca,” voiced Flounder three years ago when he was 13.

“My voice has changed so much,” Tremblay said. “I almost couldn’t recognize myself, but it was really, really cool.”

Hamilton’s Daveed Diggs is the beloved crab, Sebastian.

“I think the diversity of actors in this movie will give a lot of kids a chance to see themselves in this story,” Diggs said.

“The Little Mermaid” is from Walt Disney Studios, owned by the same parent company as this station.