The Little Mermaid director Rob Marshall has revealed details about a new original song to be featured in the upcoming live-action remake of Disney’s 1989 classic animated film. The film stars Halle Bailey as Ariel, a young mermaid who makes a deal with the sea witch Ursula to be transformed into a human to explore the world beyond the ocean. Trailers for the film indicate it will feature classic songs from the original, including “Part of Your World.”
Speaking with Empire, Marshall explained that one original song for The Little Mermaid will be titled “For The First Time”. He explained the song’s purpose in the film, including how it will be featured as Ariel first makes it to land with her newfound legs. Check out Marshall’s full statement (as well as a brand-new image of Bailey as Ariel) below:
It’s about her experiences the moment she hits land. We needed to create a number that could almost work as a montage, so we could take her through that experience – coming onto the land, what it’s like to put on shoes, have legs.
Anybody who has a different experience, it’s wondrous and scary at the same time.
How A New Song Gives The Little Mermaid Its Own Identity
The live-action remake of The Little Mermaid featuring a new song underscores how the film is trying to not only retell Ariel’s classic story, but also stand on its own as an enjoyable film. The movie will feature not only Alan Menken’s score from the 1989 original, but also more original songs like “For The First Time” featuring lyrics by Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda. The inclusion of new songs alongside The Little Mermaid‘s original 1989 soundtrack means the film can build atop the original movie’s foundation while retelling Ariel’s story.
The addition of “For The First Time” can give audiences deeper insight into how Ariel feels being on land, and all the little things that are different from her life as a mermaid. By teasing the song will play over a montage, Marshall underscores the new musical number’s importance in Ariel’s development as she explores the world. The song’s announcement may also not be the last original tune for the movie, which means there may be even more surprises in store for The Little Mermaid fans when the film arrives in theaters.
While these new songs indicate The Little Mermaid‘s live-action remake will be embracing its own identity, there’s very little chance the announcement of “For The First Time” means the plot of the movie will change much from the original animated classic. However, its inclusion does highlight more development for Ariel throughout the film, indicating there may be a plethora of new scenes and other songs to look forward to as well. The Little Mermaid is shaping up to be another memorable Disney live-action remake looking to capture the magic of the original while trying something new.
Source: Empire