Bailey explained why that change in the film resonated with her.
As parents, father and mother, we want to protect [our children].
We want to see to it that they are not suffering and that they dont suffer.
(L-R): Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric and Halle Bailey as Ariel in Disney’s live-action ‘The Little Mermaid.‘Giles Keyte/Disney
But life is about joy and pain, all the gray areas and the ups and downs.
Those are the things that you cannot avoid.
And you have to be there for them, but also let them go and have their own journey.
(L-R): Halle Bailey as Ariel and Javier Bardem as King Triton in Disney’s live-actionThe Little MermaidDisney
And he realizes that, and it is not easy.
So why did Marshall and DeLuca decide to?
The quote for me has such depth to it, Marshall said.
It says, Look what shes going to go through to get [to her end goal].
You know what I mean?
That she has to struggle to find her way.
Thats really what this films about.
You dont ever give up.
And the fact that a mermaid has no tears is why they feel so much more.
To me, it sets the table for the whole piece.
Theres much more emotion, depth and stakes to what shes trying to achieve.
That was very profound for us.
And we found this depth to this film and this story directly from Hans Christian Anderson.
But in this genre, we get to do something deeper.
Hes frenzied, wracked with inner turmoil, and has a penchant for mischief and adventure.
And I think when we meet him, he is quite lost.
He knows that theres something out there that he wants.
And I think him being saved by this mystery girl is a catalyst for that.
It sparks this journey in him wanting to break free from the four walls of the castle.
But deep down, he knows its whats right and what he wants.
So, when that reunion does happen, it feels really satisfying and, hopefully, really joyful.
McCarthy makes a deviously delightful turn as the sea witch Ursula.
This minor addition to the story humanizes her in a way that the original animation could not.
Still taking inspiration from Pat Carrolls version, McCarthy managed to strike a balance in her portrayal.
I really love Pat Carrolls original version.
She was so dishy, and Divine had a big influence on that performance.
Shes so funny, shes sharp, shes manipulative.
But as I often like to do, I usually think in terms of peoples armor.
And with Ursula, its the makeup, the bustier and the attitude.
Its wonderful, but I think it deflects her mental health and loneliness.
Shes been isolated and shunned by her family.
When asked about the most challenging scene to adapt to screen, DeLuca joked that it was every scene.
Underwater was so complicated, Marshall added.
But our goal was never to let you see the machinery behind it all because sometimes there would be…
It was all choreographed in advance.
But then it was so complicated to think, How do we do an underwater musical, really?
Its never been done before.
So that was the goal, to see to it the audience doesnt see any of that.
And I thought, we should work with a company.
DeLuca added, That one cracked any fear we had, though.
For Bailey and Hauer-King, their challenge was physical.
And if anyone has seen us stand next to each other, he towers over me.
So, we were laughing at that.
It was just a really good moment.
Hauer-King added, It was a great bonding experience.
And also Rob, hes a visionary and a perfectionist, so he knows what he wants.
And wed be in that tank for a long time.
Wed be like, So that take was pretty good, right?
We could probably go now.
And hes like, Do it again, get back in, we havent got it yet.
It might have taken hours, weeks, months, years.
And do the co-stars think they share similar qualities in their starring roles?
I think Jonah has a lot of Prince Erics characteristics and traits.
Hes a leader and hes strong.
Both their strength, sensitivity and bravery is the essence of who Jonah is.
Hauer-King shared of Bailey, I think the same for you, its pretty spot on.
Halley and Ariel are both headstrong, kind and good to the people around them.
