What we know about new ‘The Little Mermaid’ remake

Disney’s first “The Little Mermaid” adaptation stole hearts in 1989. Now, the beloved Hans Christian Anderson tale returns for a live-action remake. 

The story remains the same as the iconic classic –  Ariel is one of seven sisters, her mother dies in a tragic boat accident, she saves a prince from drowning one night and immediately falls in love – but now with a new cast.

 23-year-old Halle Bailey, who some may know as half of R&B group Chloe X Halle, will star as the titular princess Ariel alongside Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric, a position that was allegedly turned down by popstar Harry Styles. 

Other stars like Melissa McCarthy, Daveed Diggs and Awkwafina will be playing the sea witch Ursula, spunky crab Sebastian and eccentric seagull Scuttle, respectively. The music is set to be great, with scores by Alan Menken, known for his extensive work on films produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios.

 His music for “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin” and “Pocahontas” have each won him two Oscars, receiving eight in total. He is also one of 17 people ever to win an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony, also called an EGOT. 

Songwriter and actor Lin-Manuel Miranda is also contributing to the music, known for his hit Broadway musicals “In the Heights” and “Hamilton,” not to mention his significant work on another oceanic Disney movie, 2016’s “Moana.”

With its impending release, “The Little Mermaid” will join the ranks of many other live-action Disney remakes such as the countless “Cinderella” spin-offs, the 2014 take on the Sleeping Beauty fable titled “Maleficent” and the 2017 musical romance “Beauty and the Beast.”

The film opens in theaters May 26.