It looks like the upcoming live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid will be updating numerous aspects of the original film. For example, it’s just been revealed that some of the classic songs from the animated Little Mermaid film will be updated to be less potentially offensive for moviegoers.
Composer Alan Menken revealed as much while speaking with Vanity Fair. Menken explained that some of the lyrics from the classic Little Mermaid songs haven’t exactly aged well. Of course, many fans have pointed out these issues in the past, so it makes sense that they’d want to update them.
As he explained:
“There are some song changes in ‘Kiss the Girl’ because people have gotten very sensitive about the idea that [Prince Eric] would, in any way, force him self on [Ariel].”
For those unfamiliar with the controversial original lyrics:
“Yes, you want her. Look at her, you know you do. Possible she wants you too. There is one way to ask her. It don’t take a word. Not a single word. Go on and kiss the girl.”
Menken also discussed the changes that will be made to the track “Poor Unfortunate Souls.”
“We have some revisions in ‘Poor Unfortunate Souls’ regarding lines that might make young girls somehow feel that they shouldn’t speak out of turn.
“Even though Ursula is clearly manipulating Ariel to give up her voice.”
Here are the original lyrics from that particular track:
“The men up there don’t like a lot of blabber. They think a girl who gossips is a bore. Yet on land it’s much preferred for ladies not to say a word. And after all dear, what is idle babble for?
“Come on, they’re not all that impressed with conversation. True gentlemen avoid it when they can, but they dote and swoon and fawn on a lady who’s withdrawn. It’s she who holds her tongue who gets a man.”
As such, we’ll have to see what other changes The Little Mermaid has to offer longtime fans and modern moviegoers. It’ll be interesting to see what else Disney has altered regarding the film.
The upcoming film was directed by Rob Marshall with a screenplay written by David Magee with a story penned by Magee alongside Rob Marshall and John DeLuca.
The film’s cast, in addition to Halle Bailey as Ariel, also includes Daveed Diggs as the voice of Sebastian, Jacob Tremblay as the voice of Flounder, Awkwafina as the voice of Scuttle, Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric, Art Malik as Sir Grimsby, Noma Dumezweni as Queen Selina, with Javier Bardem as King Triton, and Melissa McCarthy as Ursula.
Fans will be able to see Disney’s new live-action adaptation of the iconic story The Little Mermaid when it hits theaters on May 26, 2023. Stay tuned to ScreenGeek for additional updates regarding The Little Mermaid as we have them.