The Little Mermaid Ending Explained, Plot and Cast
by Mathelene | Updated May 31, 2023
The Little Mermaid (2023)
The Little Mermaid is a 2023 American musical fantasy film directed by Rob Marshall and written by David Magee. It is a live-action adaptation of Disney's 1989 animated film of the same name, which was loosely based on Hans Christian Andersen's 1837 fairy tale. The movie is co-produced by Walt Disney Pictures, Lucamar Productions, and Marc Platt Productions.
The film stars Halle Bailey in the lead role of Ariel, the mermaid princess who becomes fascinated with the human world. Jonah Hauer-King portrays Prince Eric, while Daveed Diggs, Awkwafina, Jacob Tremblay, Noma Dumezweni, Art Malik, Javier Bardem, and Melissa McCarthy also feature in prominent roles.
The story follows Ariel as she strikes a deal with the treacherous sea witch Ursula, trading her voice for a pair of human legs in an attempt to win the heart of Prince Eric, whom she saved from a shipwreck. Plans for a remake of the original 1989 film were confirmed in May 2016, and Rob Marshall was announced as the director by Disney in December 2017.
The casting process took place between July and November 2019, with Bailey, Tremblay, Awkwafina, and the rest of the ensemble joining the project. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, production was delayed, but filming eventually took place at Pinewood Studios in England and on the island of Sardinia, Italy, from January to July 2021.
The film's music is composed by Alan Menken, who worked on the original film's soundtrack. Menken also collaborated with Lin-Manuel Miranda to write new songs for the adaptation. Miranda serves as a producer alongside Marc Platt, John DeLuca, and Rob Marshall. The movie is dedicated to the late Howard Ashman, who co-produced and co-wrote the songs for the original animated film.
The Little Mermaid premiered in Los Angeles on May 8, 2023, and was released in various formats, including RealD 3D, Disney Digital 3D, IMAX, Dolby Cinema, 4DX, and conventional theaters, on May 26, 2023. The film received praise for the performances of the cast, particularly Halle Bailey, Melissa McCarthy, and Jonah Hauer-King, as well as the musical sequences. However, some critics criticized the visual effects and character designs.
The Little Mermaid Ending Explained
The final scene, skillfully directed by Rob Marshall, showcases a poignant and heart-wrenching farewell between King Triton, portrayed by Javier Bardem, and Ariel, brought to life by Halle Bailey. In a truly momentous occasion, the inhabitants of Atlantica, who have broken the taboo of staying submerged all their lives, resurface to witness this significant moment.
King Triton, finally understanding the necessity of letting go, embraces Ariel tightly, acknowledging that she must chart her own course in life. With tearful farewells exchanged, Ariel and Eric, played by Jonah Hauer-King, venture toward an uncertain future together, setting sail on a ship whose destination remains unknown.
It is worth noting that both the Disney classic and the live-action adaptation deviate from Hans Christian Andersen's original fairy tale. In Andersen's tale, the prince ends up choosing another woman, leading the Little Mermaid to contemplate murdering him out of jealousy. However, she ultimately decides against such a heinous act and returns to the sea, where her body dissolves into foam.
Disney first reinterpreted this ending in 1989, transforming it into a more family-friendly and optimistic finale. The 2023 live-action adaptation aims to cater to the ever-changing tastes of the audience by presenting a more independent and empowered Ariel. Rather than binding her future solely to marriage with Eric, this iteration of Ariel embodies a sense of autonomy and individuality.
The Little Mermaid's ending in the 2023 live-action adaptation offers a bittersweet yet empowering conclusion, encapsulating the essence of love, growth, and the importance of pursuing one's own path in life.
The Little Mermaid Plot
Ariel, a young mermaid princess and the daughter of King Triton is captivated by the human world, despite her father's prohibition on venturing to the surface. With the help of her friends Flounder and Scuttle, Ariel collects human objects and dreams of exploring beyond the ocean. One day, she witnesses a shipwreck and saves the life of Prince Eric, who she becomes infatuated with. However, she has to leave before he regains consciousness.
Triton learns of Ariel's actions and confronts her, destroying her collection of human artifacts. Feeling rejected, Ariel is approached by a pair of moray eels working for Ursula, the sea witch, and Triton's banished sister. Ursula offers Ariel a deal: she will transform her into a human for three days, during which she must receive true love's kiss from Eric to remain human permanently. Ariel agrees, surrendering her voice and underwater abilities.
As a human, Ariel is rescued by a fisherman and brought to Eric's kingdom. Despite their growing bond, Ariel struggles to communicate without her voice. With the help of her friends, she tries to make Eric realize her identity and break Ursula's spell. Ursula, disguised as a woman named Vanessa, uses Ariel's voice to hypnotize Eric and plans to marry him.
Ariel and her friends uncover Vanessa's true identity and disrupt the wedding ceremony. Ariel's voice is restored, but before she can kiss Eric, Ursula transforms her back into a mermaid. In the ensuing battle, Triton sacrifices himself for Ariel, and Ursula gains control of the ocean with Triton's trident. With Eric's assistance, Ariel impales Ursula with a ship's bowsprit, defeating her and restoring Triton's life.
Triton recognizes Ariel's love for Eric and, with Sebastian's advice, permanently transforms her into a human. Ariel and Eric reunite, and they decide to travel together, supported by their respective families and friends. The ending highlights the acceptance of Ariel's independence and her pursuit of love and happiness outside of her underwater home, embracing a new life as a human alongside Eric.
The Little Mermaid Cast
Halle Bailey
Ariel
Jonah Hauer-King
Eric
Melissa McCarthy
Ursula
Jessica Alexander
Vanessa
Javier Bardem
King Triton
Noma Dumezweni
Queen Selina
Art Malik
Sir Grimsby
Daveed Diggs
Sebastian
Jacob Tremblay
Flounder
Awkwafina
Scuttle
Cast
Character
The Little Mermaid Where to Watch?
The Little Mermaid, the highly anticipated addition to the beloved franchise, will make its debut on Disney+ on July 8th! Fans can look forward to immersing themselves in the enchanting world of Ariel and her underwater adventures as they are brought to life in this exciting new installment.
Prepare to dive back into the captivating tale of love, courage, and self-discovery as "The Little Mermaid" swims onto screens, ready to captivate audiences of all ages. Don't miss out on this magical experience, available exclusively on Disney+ starting July 8th.
The Little Mermaid Trailer
the little mermaid ending explained - FAQs
The Little Mermaid will be available on Disney+ starting on July 8th.
Jonah Hauer-King has been cast as Prince Eric, the adventurous and free-spirited human prince.
Melissa McCarthy has been cast as Ursula, the treacherous and conniving sea witch.