The composer for Disney’s live-action The Little Mermaid has explained exactly why a major introductory song was removed from the remake. Based on the 1989 animated The Little Mermaid, the remake will tell its own version of the story of Princess Ariel (Halle Bailey) and Prince Eric (Jonah Hauer-King). The two will still meet and fall in love, but Disney has elected to change a few things about their story.
In an interview with ComicBook.com, The Little Mermaid composer Alan Menken explained exactly why the song “Daughters of Triton” has not been included in the remake. Check out his quote below:
“I think the thought process was a) we didn’t it need in this particular version. And we definitely wanted the film to start with a much more of a live-action feel of the ocean and meeting Ariel, and then we wait a little bit, make you wait until we get to ‘Part of Your World.’ And I think that was, you know, it was an amazing choice because it just builds the power and anticipation. And part of that is also knowing you’re adapting something that’s already beloved. So you want to say, wait for it, wait for it, wait for it, and here it is. And when it comes, god.”
In the 1989 version, “Daughters of Triton” includes each of Ariel’s sisters introducing themselves to the audience. Unfortunately, Ariel isn’t among them, making it very clear that she isn’t quite like her sisters. According to Menken, the song did not fit the actual product. Removing it adds an element of suspense before Ariel’s arrival and makes the project feel less animated and more live-action and modern.
Why Is The Little Mermaid Remake Changing So Much?
“Daughters of Triton” isn’t the only song facing changes in The Little Mermaid‘s remake. There have been some divisive lyric changes, including adjustments to the lyrics in “Kiss the Girl”. The corrections have largely been Disney’s way to adapt The Little Mermaid for the modern media landscape, where girls are to be exposed to more positive messages that teach them independence, consent, and self-love. For the same reasons, “Poor Unfortunate Souls” is also being updated.
Many of The Little Mermaid‘s changes have been introduced to create an atmosphere where Ariel has more control over her own life. Rather than simply attempting to break free of the sea to chase a man, Ariel instead has goals and interests to be explored on the surface. It’s a significant change, but it’s also a necessary one in today’s world.
Other adjustments to The Little Mermaid have been made in order to add more content to the movie. It will offer an extra hour of footage in the remake in order to fully develop Prince Eric and Ariel. The new content is intended to help make buying a ticket feel more worthwhile. While “Daughters of Triton” may no longer be part of The Little Mermaid, the extra time gives more space for new numbers and more thorough characterization.
Source: ComicBook.com
Key Release Dates
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The Little Mermaid (2023)
