What We Can Expect from 'The Little Mermaid' Under Rob Marshall's Direction

Chisom Ndianefo
Close-up shot of Rob Marshall
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Ever since Disney unveiled the teaser for the live-action version of The Little Mermaid, there has been a lot of discussion about the film, both positive and negative. The director recently told Entertainment News that the film is pushing modernism even further. Thus the producers aren't letting anything get in the way of them creating magic. In the interview, Rob Marshall explains his new take on Ariel, the mermaid who strikes a deal with a witch to become human in the film.

Keep reading to find out more.

Rob Clears The Air On Casting Halle Bailey

Halle Bailey
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Director Rob Marshall is clearing the air on any speculations on casting Halle Bailey, according to him, "no agenda." Since candidates from "every ethnicity" had applied, no one entered the casting process with the intention of deliberately casting a Black actor in part. According to Marshall, they were searching for a potential candidate.

“We just were looking for the best actor for the role, period. The end,” Marshall said. “We saw everybody and every ethnicity. [The goal was to find someone who can be] incredibly strong, passionate, beautiful, smart, clever [and with] a great deal of fire and joy.”

The Mary Poppins filmmaker also gave his take new take on Ariel:

"No. 1 is her passion — that fire is very important, She feels displaced and it's really an epic story of finding your true self. But also there needs to be a great deal of joy. It's a strange combination of innocence and wisdom, and a great deal of soul and heart. She's very modern in that way."

An Official Release Date

Several racist fans have expressed fury against Disney for hiring a Black actor as Ariel, despite Bailey's casting being widely praised and applauded (see the viral supercuts of Black females viewing the movie's teaser trailer). In response to those who criticized Halle Bailey's casting, Lin-Manuel Miranda, who acted as producer and co-wrote the new music for the movie with Alan Menken, also issued a strong statement about casting Halle at the time the trailer received backlash.

However, the good news is that The Little Mermaid is coming to the cinemas sooner than we think, as the official date is May 26, 2023; the film will float its way into theatres.

Marshall Teases More Scenes From The Upcoming 'Little Mermaid'

In the Interview, Marshal gives more insight into what fans should expect from Ariel, played by Halle Bailey. Marshall wants viewers to relax. Although Ariel loses her voice, he assures fans that Bailey's powerful singing will still be heard for most of the film as he says there's new music composed for the actress in addition to Part of Your World.

"I won't share what those are right now, but you'll get a sense of what she's feeling."

The Synopsis Of 'The Little Mermaid'

The well-known tale of Ariel, a charming and courageous young mermaid with a passion for exploration, may be found in The Little Mermaid. Ariel, the most adventurous and youngest of King Triton's daughters, longs to learn more about the world above the water. While visiting the surface, she develops feelings for the handsome Prince Eric. Mermaids aren't supposed to talk to humans, but Ariel has to do what she feels. In exchange for a chance to see life on dry land, she strikes a pact with the wicked sea witch Ursula, endangering her life and her father's throne.