The first full trailer of Disney’s much-anticipated The Little Mermaid live-action movie premiered at last night’s Oscars ceremony, and it was magical! It showed fans a clearer look at Halle Bailey ‘s Ariel and Melissa McCarthy’s Ursula.
The Teaser Was Underwhelming
This trailer is a far cry from the first teaser which had fans in shambles as they complained about everything from the lighting to Disney’s lead character choice.
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Watch The Trailer Below
However, with this trailer, the lighting choice got more context, and fans became less critical of the production. Premiering the trailer at the biggest movie night in America was a huge feat, and Bailey didn’t take it for granted.
Celebrating Her Achievement
The actress expressed her excitement in a tweet saying she was overwhelmed with emotion and couldn’t hold back tears at her achievement.
Gracing The Oscars In a Fairytale Dress
The 22-year-old graced the ceremony with her beau, DDG, and sister, Chloe, to watch the magical moment unfold on screen. Halle dressed in a beautiful sleeveless tulle ballgown reminiscent of the ocean’s depth.
Unfazed By Backlash
During an interview with The Face magazine, Bailey shared her thoughts on the backlash she received for landing the coveted role on the live action remake.
Representation Matters
However, seeing young Black girls rejoice over her first teaser trailer made her realize the noise didn’t matter. Bailey said representation matters despite trolls being unable to see and acknowledge it.
A Deserved Role
Disney chose the 22-year-old for the role because of her singing and acting talents and there’s no doubt she’ll do the role justice. Already, the trailer featured Bailey singing the iconic Part of Your World as she swam under the sea and into the light.
First Look At Ursula
Disney kept McCarthy’s Ursula’s image vague, although her purple and black octopus body and tentacles glowed in the ocean. Her white face also partially showed as she asked for Ariel’s voice in exchange for human legs.
Getting Ready For ‘The Little Mermaid’
Fans didn’t have as much ire for McCarthy as Ursula as they did against Bailey being Ariel. The 52-year-old actress trained with voice coach Eric Vetro in preparation for her role as Ursula.
Controlling Her Voice
Per People , The Heat actress didn’t realize she could control her voice until she started training for the Disney movie. Before then, McCarthy had never starred in a musical role.
McCarthy’s Singing Voice Is Everything
McCarthy partnered with Booking.com during the Super Bowl and sang in its commercial. The advertisement served as a teaser of what’s to come from the 52-year-old in the Disney movie.
Big Expectations
Fans have high expectations of the live action remake as the original animated iteration earned $211.3 million at the box office and spurred a sequel and prequel.
Could There Be A Part Two?
If this live-action remake does successfully, fans may get a live-action sequel about Ariel’s daughter, Melody, who ironically longed to return to the sea after years in the palace.
A Sequel Won’t Have McCarthy
However, a sequel won’t include McCarthy because Ursula died in the first movie. However, it’ll open the door to another star who can play Morgana, the more sinister sister.
We’ll See More Of Ariel’s Sisters
The live-action remake coming to theaters this year blends material from Ariel’s Beginning the prequel with the 1989 movie so, fans would see more of Ariel’s sisters.
The Full Cast Is Diverse
Bailey is not the only diverse castmate in the live-action movie. Her sisters include other culturally diverse actresses, from Simone Ashley to Emily Coates, Kajsa Mohammar, Lorena Andrea, and Jessica Alexander.
Simone Ashley Dazzles At The After-Party
Ashley attended the Oscars after party wearing a sequin blue dress with a hip-high slit and a bow mono-sleeve.
Javier Bardem As King Triton
Javier Bardem is Ariel’s father, King Triton and he also featured in the first trailer which premiered at the Oscars.
The Movie Airs This Summer
The Little Mermaid will be in theaters worldwide on May 26, 2023.
