The Little Mermaid (2021) is a CGI live action remake of the classic 1989 Disney film of the same name, which is based on a Hans Christian Andersen story. Chloë Grace Moretz stars as Ariel. In this reboot, Halle Bailey, who with her sister forms R&B duo Chloe x Halle, is Ariel. Oscar nominee Melissa McCarthy stars as Ursula. Jacob Tremblay is Flounder. Awkwafina is Scuttle. Javier Bardem is King Triton. Daveed Diggs plays the crab Sebastian. Harry Styles is no longer on board to play “prince charming”, Eric. Jonah Hauer-King has been cast as Prince Eric.
In the film mermaid princess Ariel makes a Faustian bargain in an attempt to become human and win a prince’s love. In so doing, she loses her voice.
Chicago and Mary Poppins Returns director Rob Marshall directs. The film incorporates the original songs from the 1989 animated hit as well as new tunes from Alan Menken and Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Originally scheduled for release on March 12, 2021, the film’s production was put on ice due to Wuhan coronavirus. Its new, tentative, release date is July 9, 2021.
