Disney’s highly anticipated live-action remake of “The Little Mermaid” starring Halle Bailey has made a splash with audiences as they embark on an enchanting journey under the sea. Following the conclusion of the film’s Los Angeles premiere, initial reactions to this musical extravaganza are starting to flood social media platforms.
Prior to its theatrical release on May 26, Disney treated fans to a sneak peek of “The Little Mermaid” at CinemaCon in Las Vegas last month. The exclusive footage showcased Melissa McCarthy’s mesmerizing rendition of “Poor Unfortunate Souls” as the iconic villain Ursula.
READ ALSO:‘The Little Mermaid’ Remakes Song Lyrics To Highlight Consent
In an exclusive report by Prime Business Africa, it was revealed that director Rob Marshall and his husband, producer John DeLuca, organized a private screening of the film. The event boasted an illustrious guest list including Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, Matt Damon, and Ben Platt.
The star-studded audience erupted in applause after each captivating musical number and continued to shower the film with praise during a post-screening reception.
The musical is enriched by a sensational soundtrack composed by the talented duo Lin-Manuel Miranda and Alan Menken, the latter of whom was responsible for the score in the original 1989 animated film. Audiences can look forward to four new original songs that will accompany the beloved classics.
Joining Bailey and McCarthy in the cast are Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric, Javier Bardem as King Triton, Noma Dumezweni as Queen Selina, Jacob Tremblay lending his voice to Flounder, Daveed Diggs voicing the lovable crab Sebastian, and Awkwafina providing the voice for the witty seagull Scuttle.
Critic and Variety contributor Courtney Howard called the film “charming, but incredibly spotty,” highlighting some of the actors.
#TheLittleMermaid: Charming, but incredibly spotty. Halle Bailey, Jonah Hauer-King, Melissa McCarthy & Javier Bardem put their heart & souls into a film that can’t escape its animated legacy. Best when it leans into campy bonkers, yet limits its fantasy elements for no reason. pic.twitter.com/c7Bt2BO5rq
— Courtney Howard (@Lulamaybelle) May 9, 2023
Other reactions includes
#TheLittleMermaid is a live-action remake that retains the heart and soul of the story we know and love, and it’s elevated even further by a note-perfect star-making performance from Halle Bailey – she was born to be on the big screen, & she’s why this new take is worth watching. pic.twitter.com/Tcewp2L4MY
— Zoë Rose Bryant (@ZoeRoseBryant) May 9, 2023
Disney’s #TheLittleMermaid is definitely one of the better live-action adaptions. Halle Bailey pours incredible emotion into Ariel and I got chills watching her, while Melissa McCarthy’s Ursula and Daveed Diggs’ Sebastian steal scenes all day. pic.twitter.com/DHhIkbIj8s
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) May 9, 2023
#TheLittleMermaid is a tribute to all little girls to dream big. Halle Bailey is sheer magic and Daveed Diggs a delight as Sebastian. pic.twitter.com/kLD2y62dIF
— Kathia Woods (@kathia_woods) May 9, 2023
It may look visually rough under the sea, but THE LITTLE MERMAID eventually recreates some of the original’s magic through its timeless story & cast. Daveed Diggs & Melissa McCarthy are highlights but Halle Bailey is the one astonishes with her gorgeous singing & empathetic charm pic.twitter.com/DhmmtOLaLJ
— Matt Neglia (@NextBestPicture) May 9, 2023
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