The Little Mermaid 2023 Cast: Full Profiles, New Songs, And Behind-the-Scenes VFX Secrets Revealed
The Little Mermaid (2023) live-action remake captured global attention and redefined a classic Disney princess for a new generation. Released on May 26, 2023, this film became one of the most talked-about movies of the year, driven by the casting of its titular star and the promise of a visually stunning underwater world.
The success of the 2023 adaptation hinges on the powerful performances of a diverse and talented ensemble, blending established Hollywood icons with dynamic rising stars. This deep dive explores the full cast, their comprehensive biographies, the groundbreaking musical additions, and the technical marvels that brought the kingdom of Atlantica to life.
The Little Mermaid 2023: Full Main Cast Biography and Profiles
The live-action remake, directed by Rob Marshall, features a stellar lineup of actors who took on the monumental task of embodying these beloved, iconic characters.
Halle Bailey as Ariel
- Born: Halle Lynn Bailey, March 27, 2000, in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
- Role: Ariel, the youngest daughter of King Triton, a curious mermaid with a powerful voice who longs to experience the human world.
- Career Highlights: Halle first rose to prominence as one half of the R&B duo Chloe x Halle, alongside her sister Chloe Bailey. They were discovered by Beyoncé and signed to her Parkwood Entertainment label. Prior to The Little Mermaid, Halle was known for her acting role in the TV series Grown-ish. Her casting as Ariel sparked a global conversation about representation and was widely celebrated upon the film's release.
Melissa McCarthy as Ursula
- Born: Melissa Ann McCarthy, August 26, 1970, in Plainfield, Illinois, U.S.
- Role: Ursula, the wicked sea witch who makes a Faustian bargain with Ariel.
- Career Highlights: McCarthy is an acclaimed American comedian, actress, and producer, known for her roles in film and television that highlight her gift for physical comedy. She is a multi-award winner, including two Primetime Emmy Awards. Her major film credits include Bridesmaids (which earned her an Academy Award nomination), The Heat, and Can You Ever Forgive Me?
Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric
- Born: Jonah Andre Hauer-King, May 30, 1995, in Islington, London, England.
- Role: Prince Eric, the human prince Ariel saves from a shipwreck and falls in love with.
- Career Highlights: Hauer-King is an English actor who graduated from Cambridge University with a degree in Theology and Religious Studies. His professional career began in 2014, and he is known for his roles in the BBC miniseries Little Women and the film A Dog's Way Home before landing the coveted role of Prince Eric.
Javier Bardem as King Triton
- Born: Javier Ángel Encinas Bardem, March 1, 1969, in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain.
- Role: King Triton, the ruler of Atlantica and Ariel's overprotective father.
- Career Highlights: Bardem is a Spanish actor with a career spanning over three decades. He is the first Spanish actor to win an Academy Award, which he received for his role as Anton Chigurh in No Country for Old Men. His other notable films include Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Skyfall, and Being the Ricardos.
The supporting voice cast was equally crucial to the film's success, featuring familiar Hollywood names:
- Daveed Diggs as Sebastian (the crab)
- Awkwafina as Scuttle (the diving bird)
- Jacob Tremblay as Flounder (the fish)
- Noma Dumezweni as Queen Selina (a new character for the live-action film)
- Art Malik as Sir Grimsby (Prince Eric's loyal steward)
The New Music: Alan Menken and Lin-Manuel Miranda's Collaboration
One of the most anticipated elements of the 2023 live-action remake was the music, which saw a legendary collaboration. The original film's composer, Alan Menken, returned to score the film and partnered with Broadway sensation Lin-Manuel Miranda (of Hamilton fame) to write brand-new songs.
The addition of new material was necessary to expand the story for a modern, feature-length film and to give the new cast members moments to shine.
Three New Songs Added to the Soundtrack
The soundtrack features three original new songs, which deepen the audience's connection to the main characters and their inner thoughts:
- "For the First Time": This is a major new song for Ariel, performed by Halle Bailey, which covers her experience after gaining human legs and exploring the world above the sea for the first time.
- "Wild Uncharted Waters": This song is a new solo for Prince Eric, performed by Jonah Hauer-King. It gives the audience a deeper insight into Eric's own restless spirit and his longing for adventure, mirroring Ariel's own desires.
- "Scuttlebutt": A fast-paced, comedic rap number performed by Awkwafina (Scuttle) and Daveed Diggs (Sebastian), which provides an updated, energetic take on the sidekicks' dynamic.
In a move to modernize the classic songs, lyric changes were also made to the iconic numbers "Kiss the Girl" and "Poor Unfortunate Souls." This was done to update certain themes and remove lyrics that were considered problematic by contemporary standards, ensuring the film resonated with a 21st-century audience.
Behind the Magic: Visual Effects and Box Office Performance
The sheer technical challenge of creating a believable, vibrant underwater world for a live-action film was immense. Director Rob Marshall and his team had to find innovative solutions to film the majority of the movie's scenes, which take place beneath the waves.
The 'Dry-for-Wet' Filming Technique
The production team, including visual effects supervisor Tim Burke, opted for a "dry-for-wet" approach.
- Blue-Screen Stages: The actors, including Halle Bailey and Javier Bardem, performed their "underwater" scenes on blue-screen soundstages at Pinewood Studios in London.
- Harness Work: To simulate the movement of swimming and floating hair, the actors were suspended on wires and specialized rigs, requiring intense physical training and core strength.
- CGI Integration: The final underwater environment, the mermaids' tails, and the photorealistic animal sidekicks (Sebastian, Flounder, and Scuttle) were all added later through extensive Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI). The goal was to seamlessly blend the live-action performances with the CGI world, a task that required unprecedented visual effects work.
Box Office and Critical Reception
As part of Disney's ongoing live-action remake strategy, The Little Mermaid was a significant financial undertaking, with a reported budget of over $240 million.
The film premiered over the Memorial Day Weekend in North America, grossing an impressive $118.6 million over the four-day period. Ultimately, the movie proved to be a global success, achieving a worldwide box office total of approximately $569.6 million.
While the film received mixed critical reviews, many critics and audiences praised Halle Bailey's powerful vocal performance and the new emotional depth brought to Ariel's character. The controversy surrounding the casting of an African-American actress in the lead role was largely overshadowed by the film's financial success and the positive reaction to Bailey's portrayal, proving that Disney's strategy of diversifying its classic characters can be both critically and commercially viable.
Legacy and Impact of The Little Mermaid 2023
The 2023 live-action version of The Little Mermaid is more than just a remake; it is a cultural moment that solidified Halle Bailey as a major star and demonstrated the evolving nature of Disney's storytelling. The film successfully navigated the immense pressure of fan nostalgia while introducing modern elements, from the new songs by Alan Menken and Lin-Manuel Miranda to the groundbreaking visual effects that defined the world of Atlantica. The cast's commitment to their roles, especially Bailey's moving portrayal of Ariel, ensures this version will be remembered as a significant chapter in the history of live-action Disney adaptations.
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