Little Mermaid Live Action Remake:

Who’s in the cast, when is the Disney film released and what’s the soundtrack?

The Little Mermaid Trailer

Credit: Walt Disney Productions

By Maddy Shaw Roberts, ClassicFM

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With a soundtrack by Disney royalty Alan Menken and rising star Halle Bailey playing Ariel, the remake of ‘The Little Mermaid’ looks to be another live-action hit for Disney.

The Little Mermaid is receiving a live-action remake, courtesy of Walt Disney Studios and director Rob Marshall (Mary Poppins Returns).

The original 1989 animation told the story of 16-year-old mermaid Ariel, who is fascinated with life on land.

When she falls in love with Eric, a human prince, she strikes a dangerous deal with a sea witch, Ursula, to become human for three days.

The remake will start production in April 2020, but here’s everything you need to know in the meantime...

The Little Mermaid – original 1989 animation. Picture: Disney

Who’s in the cast of The Little Mermaid?

Halle Bailey, a 19-year-old rising star and one half of viral singing duo Chloe X Halle, has been cast as Ariel.

Halle was first noticed by Beyoncé, who spotted the two sisters’ song covers on YouTube and signed them both to her label Parkwood Entertainment.

“After an extensive search, it was abundantly clear that Halle possesses that rare combination of spirit, heart, youth, innocence, and substance – plus a glorious singing voice – all intrinsic qualities necessary to play this iconic role,” director Rob Marshall said in a statement.

Chloe X Halle at 10th Annual DVF Awards. Picture: Getty

Melissa McCarthy is rumoured to be playing sea witch Ursula, while Awkwafina (Ocean’s 8) is in talks to play Ariel’s seagull friend, Scuttle.

Jacob Tremblay, who was named Best Young Actor at the 21st Annual Critics’ Choice Awards for The Room, will play Flounder the fish. Prince Eric, Sebastian the Crab and King Triton are all yet to be announced.

What’s the soundtrack?

The Little Mermaid will include many of the best loved songs from the animation, including ‘Under the Sea’, ‘Kiss the Girl’ and ‘Part of your World’ by original composers Alan Menken and Howard Ashman.

The remake will also feature new songs from Hamilton composer Lin-Manuel Miranda.

What’s the release date?

The Little Mermaid will start production in April 2020 and an official release date is yet to be announced, so we’ve still got a while to wait...