How Disney transformed a classic animated fairy tale into a complex underwater live-action musical
In short: Bringing the kingdom of Atlantica to life required more than just CGI. Director Rob Marshall utilized cutting-edge technology, including tuning forks and teeter-totters, to choreograph an unprecedented underwater musical. Halle Bailey’s performance as Ariel redefined the narrative, shifting the focus from a romantic pursuit to a journey of personal independence.
The 2023 live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid, directed by Rob Marshall, represents a significant technical evolution from the 1989 animated original. Developing the project was a complex undertaking that began in 2016. Marshall, alongside producers Marc Platt and John DeLuca, faced the unique challenge of creating a believable underwater world. To achieve this, the production team employed sophisticated apparatuses, including wires and specialized tuning forks, requiring every moment of the film to be meticulously choreographed in advance. The visual effects were a collaborative effort involving multiple studios, such as Industrial Light & Magic and Wētā FX, building upon techniques Marshall previously explored in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.
Halle Bailey was cast as Ariel after an extensive search, with Marshall noting that her audition set a bar that no other candidate surpassed. The production, which faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, officially wrapped in July 2021 after filming in London and Sardinia. During production, Bailey spent up to 13 hours underwater on certain days. The film also features updated themes; Bailey noted that the narrative was adjusted to move away from the idea that Ariel leaves her home solely for a boy, instead emphasizing her pursuit of purpose, freedom, and self-discovery.
The film’s supporting cast includes Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric, Melissa McCarthy as Ursula, and Javier Bardem as King Triton. The soundtrack, released in May 2023, features original music by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, augmented by new songs from Lin-Manuel Miranda. Despite mixed critical reviews, the film grossed over $569 million worldwide against a production budget of $240.2 million. The project remains a notable example of Disney's ongoing efforts to translate its animated legacy into contemporary live-action cinema, balancing technical innovation with a modern reinterpretation of classic character motivations.
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