After many years of anticipation, the live-action evolution of the 1989 animated original had its premiere on Monday evening, 8 May, in Los Angeles.
Reactions to Disney's early footage of The Little Mermaid ahead of its main debut are in, and it looks like Disney has made another hit on its hands as everyone keeps praising Halle Bailey for her outstanding role in the film.
Reports from Variety confirmed that director Rob Marshall and his husband, producer John DeLuca, had a private film screening, with a guest list including John Krasinski, Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, and Ben Platt. The star-studded audience applauded after each musical number and continued to speak enthusiastically during a post-screening reception.
The musical fantasy movie directed by Rob Marshall from a screenplay written by David Magee depicts the story of The Little Mermaid following a mermaid princess Ariel who strikes a deal with a treacherous sea witch Ursula to substitute her voice for human legs to impress Prince Eric, who was saved from a shipwreck before time runs out.
Talented actor and singer-songwriter Halle Bailey portrays the role of Ariel, the lead character in the movie. While most viewers will have to defer a few weeks before watching, early audiences share their feedback on social media and in person after the screening.
Erik Davis, a contributor to flick sites Fandango and Rotten Tomatoes, praised Bailey's performance and likewise shouted out McCarthy and Diggs's work. He tweeted: Halle Bailey poured enormous emotion into the act "Ariel", and I got chills watching her. On the other hand, Melissa McCarthy's Ursula and Daveed Diggs' Sebastian stole the scenes all day,"
Jodi Benson, who voiced Ariel in the animated version, also shared her delight on the film in a red-carpet interview with Entertainment Tonight. He said: "Halle Bailey doesn't need any advice from me, she's brilliant!". She continued to praise Bailey's "purity of heart, bravery, and vulnerability" in the role. Benson added with a cheerful grin: "I'm so thrilled for her, and I'm so proud of her."
Writer Zoe Rose Bryant was likewise in harmony with the curious turn of a sea creature. "The Little Mermaid is a live-action remake that holds the heart and soul of the story we all know and loves, it's even further elevated by a note-perfect star-making performance from Halle Bailey, who was born to be on the big screen, and she's the reason why this new take is worth watching." She tweeted.
When Will The Little Mermaid Be Released?
According to widespread reports, The Little Mermaid will officially be released and available in cinemas on Friday, 26 May 2023.
Critic Grace Randolph was also impressed with the film and suggested that audiences try to see the movie in the cinema as soon as possible.
She wrote: "The Little Mermaid" is Disney's best live-action modification. It succeeds as nostalgia and as an often stunning film in its own right. It's Not PERFECT. However, it's got Disney magic! And it should be seen on the big screen."