Dive into the fantastical realm of Disney’s 2023 “The Little Mermaid” adaptation and embark on an enchanting treasure hunt through its vibrant world of hidden details and Easter eggs. Each twist and turn of this beautifully crafted tale is laden with intricate details, woven into its fabric to pay homage to its 1989 predecessor, the timeless original, and Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale. From a mermaid-themed Disney intro to a cameo by Jodi Benson, the voice of the original Ariel, these treasures add layers of depth and nostalgia to this beloved tale. Here, we’ve meticulously curated 15 gems that sparkle beneath the surface of “The Little Mermaid” 2023 adaptation, beckoning fans to embark on a cinematic journey of discovery and reminiscence.
Diving into the Mermaid World with a Custom Disney Intro
Disney fans are greeted with an unusual yet enchanting surprise as the company’s well-known intro transforms to echo the aquatic theme of The Little Mermaid. The iconic Disney castle morphs into a pink replica of Prince Eric’s castle, ensconced by a majestic waterfall reminiscent of the roiling sea that forms the film’s setting.
The familiar tune of “When You Wish Upon A Star” replaces the heartwarming melody of “Part of Your World.” These fresh alterations stoke excitement for the film and hint at the fantastical journey that awaits, underscoring Disney’s commitment to thematic consistency while setting the stage for a delightful viewing experience.
Probing Deeper with a Hans Christian Andersen Quote
Before the narrative takes off, viewers are presented with a profound quote from Hans Christian Andersen, the original author of The Little Mermaid. The quote, “…But a mermaid has no tears, and therefore she suffers so much more,” is a touching homage to Andersen’s legacy.
More importantly, it subtly reflects Ariel’s intense battles concerning her identity and societal expectations. This detail enriches the film’s depth by reminding viewers of the melancholic undertones of the original tale and hinting at the character development and struggles Ariel must grapple with in this modern adaptation.
The Telescope: More than an Object
In this 2023 adaptation, Ariel discovers not a “dinglehopper” or Eric’s statue but a seemingly innocuous telescope that later assumes pivotal importance in her journey. The telescope symbolizes Ariel and Eric’s curiosity about the world beyond their immediate realities. It becomes a tangible representation of their budding relationship.
Eric educates Ariel about constellations, connecting their shared fascination for the cosmos. Ariel uses this newfound knowledge to communicate her name to him. Through this narrative arc, the film underscores the significance of shared passions and learning in forming deep relationships, setting the telescope as a pivotal artifact in the narrative.
An Unexpected Twist: Ariel’s Sisters’ Names
In an amusing departure from the original, Ariel’s sisters in the new film bear names that end with ‘A,’ unlike the original, where all names began with an ‘A.’ The sisters—Perla, Indira, Mala, Tamika, Karina, and Caspia—are presented in a unique light that subtly spotlights Ariel’s individuality.
The deliberate choice to differentiate Ariel’s name from her sisters underscores her rebellious spirit and refusal to conform to the norm. This detail, though minute, reinforces the character’s uniqueness and serves as an ingenious way of highlighting Ariel’s struggle with conforming to the rules of her undersea home.
Meet the New Scuttle: A Gannet
A fascinating detail from 2023 The Little Mermaid is the species change of Scuttle from a seagull to a gannet. This seabird can dive deep underwater. This species change isn’t merely cosmetic—it serves a crucial narrative purpose.
Scuttle’s ability to stay underwater means that Ariel can remain beneath the surface longer, making her eventual emergence dramatic. The change also injects a touch of realism into the film, making Scuttle’s interaction with Ariel more plausible and enhancing the overall storytelling experience.
Classic Scenes Recreated: A Tribute to the Original
In a respectful nod to the original animated movie, The Little Mermaid 2023 remake recreates iconic scenes meticulously. During the performances of “Part of Your World” and “Under the Sea,” Halle Bailey as Ariel mimics the original Ariel’s actions, effectively stirring a sense of nostalgia.
These recreated scenes provide a sense of familiarity for long-time fans and ensure that new generations preserve and appreciate the original’s magic. This intricate interweaving of the old and the new exemplifies the creators’ respect for the source material, thereby imbuing the film with an element of authenticity that will appeal to both old and new fans.
A Powerful Chord Change: Musical Evolution
One of the most evocative scenes in the film is the transformative moment when Ariel regains her voice. The 2023 version features a powerful chord change that amplifies the scene’s emotional resonance, underscoring Ariel’s transition from a silenced, disempowered individual to an assertive, self-determined woman.
This masterstroke in the musical arrangement emphasizes the film’s empowerment, self-expression, and growth themes. It also demonstrates Disney’s commitment to evolving its musical landscapes to suit the narrative while retaining its iconic character and charm.
The Power of Voice: A Proactive Ariel
The 2023 version of The Little Mermaid gives Ariel more agency and power in the narrative. Instead of Eric breaking Ursula’s spell with a kiss, Ariel’s reclaimed voice shatters the enchantment. This empowering change reinforces the narrative theme of finding one’s voice and underscores the film’s feminist undertones.
Ariel’s growth from a naive, dreamy mermaid to a strong, assertive woman is a vital narrative progression, mirroring contemporary conversations about women’s empowerment and autonomy.
Sebastien and Scuttle’s Duo: A Surprising Combination
In an unexpected twist, Sebastien and Scuttle team up for a rousing duet. Despite their stark differences, the duo brings an unexpected dynamism to the film’s musical landscape.
This incredible collaboration is a metaphor for unity and friendship, suggesting that differences in background, perspective, or capabilities do not preclude successful partnerships. Furthermore, their duet symbolizes bridging the undersea and human worlds, adding depth to the narrative.
The Beautiful End: Transformation of Eric’s Castle
The film concludes with a heartwarming transformation of Eric’s castle into a beautiful combination of land and sea elements, symbolizing Ariel and Eric’s united worlds. The castle’s walls are adorned with intricate seashell motifs, and the courtyard features a beautiful mermaid fountain.
This harmonious integration represents the union of two worlds, reinforcing the film’s central themes of acceptance, love, and unity. The viewer is left with a profound sense of closure, knowing that Ariel has found a place she belongs, highlighting the journey of self-discovery and embracing one’s true identity.
Scuttle’s “Scuttlebutt”: A Musical Gossip
In an enchanting tune titled “The Scuttlebutt,” the lovable characters Scuttle and Sebastian serenade us with the juiciest gossip from the castle’s whispers. You might think the song’s title is a fun combination of Scuttle’s name and his knack for rambling, but here’s a delightful detail: “Scuttlebutt” is a real word to describe rumors and chit-chat.
The cleverly-named song highlights Scuttle’s whimsical personality and teases a hidden wordplay for those with a keen ear for details. This harmonious blend of humor, trivia, and melody is one of the clever Easter eggs woven into the film’s captivating tapestry.
Passing the “Dinglehopper”: A Nostalgic Cameo
Rounding off our treasure hunt for hidden gems is the heartwarming cameo by Jodi Benson, the original voice of Ariel from the 1989 animated classic. In the 2023 remake, Benson graces the screen as a shopkeeper, offering Ariel a bowl of food and, in a wink to the original, a fork – or “dinglehopper,” as Ariel would call it.
This moment imbued with nostalgia, feels almost like a symbolic passing of the torch, or in this case, the dinglehopper, from Benson to Halle Bailey. Among all the Easter eggs and hidden details in The Little Mermaid remake, this tender and touching tribute stands out, making it an absolute must-see for fans, old and new.
The Opening Shots
In a spectacularly coordinated opening scene, the audience witnesses King Triton cruising magnificently through a sea teeming with familiar characters. Lurking within the crowd, avid Disney followers may spot the iconic duo of Mickey Mouse and Goofy participating in the underwater celebration.
Another unexpected guest is Kermit the Frog from the Muppets universe, signifying the first blend of Disney realms. This playful insertion, disclosed by co-director Ron Clements, is a light-hearted inside joke amongst the animators.
The Magdalene With the Smoking Flame
Ariel’s prized collection of human artifacts is a treasure trove of Easter eggs, most notably a painting titled “The Magdalene with the Smoking Flame” by Georges de la Tour. The artwork showcases Mary Magdalene in deep contemplation, symbolized by a skull in her lap. This subtle detail subtly mirrors Ariel’s introspection and yearning for human life, adding depth to her character beyond the initial curiosity.
Yet another captivating artifact in Ariel’s collection is the bust of Abraham Lincoln. The inclusion of this figure implies that the events within “The Little Mermaid” take place during or after the 1860s, adding an exciting historical dimension to the otherwise fantastical narrative. This opens up fascinating possibilities of how the world of Ariel interacts with our reality.
Ursula Inspiration
The captivating character of Ursula teems with concealed inspirations. Her design draws significantly from real-life personalities, including the legendary drag queen Divine, encapsulating an array of distinct identities.
Various concepts, including a Joan Collins-inspired manta ray, were discarded before the final look was achieved, showcasing a rich, diverse creation process for this iconic villainess.
Call Her Cecaelia
Ursula’s unique anatomy of six tentacles instead of eight of an octopus constitutes an intriguing hidden detail. This design choice led to faster, cost-effective production due to animation constraints.
This prompted a lively debate over Ursula’s species, with voice actor Pat Carroll suggesting she was a squid. In contrast, others considered her a ‘Cecelia.’
Who’s The Boss?, and Mr. Limpet
Ariel’s youthful charm is a nod to Alyssa Milano, the young star of “Who’s The Boss?” Milano’s photographs were a visual inspiration, although she was unaware of this tribute. Sherri Stoner, another actor, provided the blueprint for Ariel’s graceful movements and physicality, highlighting the collective effort behind this beloved character’s creation.
The vibrant musical number “Under the Sea” subtly references Warner Bros.’s 1964 film “The Incredible Mr. Limpet.” An obscure, bespectacled fish in the scene pays tribute to this classic tale of a man’s transformation into a fish, showcasing Disney’s knack for weaving cinematic intertextuality.
Hidden Mickey
The contract that Ariel signs, filled with incomprehensible jargon, contains a hidden Mickey within the tiny print. Although the contract might not hold up in a real court, this discovery presents a charming Easter egg for Disney enthusiasts, further emphasizing the attention to detail by the animation team.
Many hidden Mickeys pervade the film, particularly in the meticulously hand-painted bubbles. Another Mickey is cleverly tucked into the background after the “Les Poissons” sequence, providing a visual treat for attentive audiences and showing the creativity and humor of the animation team.
Sleeping Beauty
A painting hanging in Prince Eric’s dining room symbolizes Disney’s skill in intertextuality. On closer examination, the painting reveals a depiction of Prince Phillip and Aurora from “Sleeping Beauty,” interweaving the stories of these timeless fairy tales.
This connection between the two narratives demonstrates the intricate universe that Disney has crafted throughout its illustrious history.
Connections to Cinderella
In a pair of discreet nods to the classic Cinderella tale, the creators of The Little Mermaid have hidden two notable connections. The first reveals itself in the attire of Prince Eric’s maid Carlotta, replicating Cinderella’s iconic dress. This subtle intertextual detail accentuates Disney’s classic universe’s interconnectedness.
Furthermore, in the background of the initial wedding scene, audiences can spot the Duke and King from Cinderella, seamlessly blending into the crowd. These Easter eggs manifest Disney’s trademark ability to intertwine its animated classics.
The Rock
If the cacophonous screeching of Scuttle before the song “Kiss the Girl” strikes a familiar chord, it’s because it echoes the love theme from Tchaikovsky’s “Romeo and Juliet.” This tribute to the iconic music piece enhances the scene’s romantic ambiance. It is a testament to Disney’s artful integration of classical influences within its musical narrative.
Lastly, the closing image of Ariel seated on a rock is an homage to a well-known statue in Copenhagen. This statue, honoring the author of The Little Mermaid, Hans Christian Andersen, beautifully captures the poignant legacy of this timeless tale. This reference links the Disney adaptation back to its original roots. It respects Andersen’s lasting influence in the world of fairy tales.
There are Three New Songs
Alan Menken, aged 73, co-creator of the timeless soundtrack for the original Little Mermaid, returned to supervise the live-action film’s score. In 1989, Menken garnered the Oscar for Best Original Score for The Little Mermaid and the Oscar for Best Song for “Under the Sea,” sharing the latter with lyricist Howard Ashman. The live-action score includes three brand new songs—”For the First Time,” “Wild Uncharted Waters,” and “Scuttlebutt”—with lyrics penned by Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Each song spotlights the vocal prowess of its respective performers: “For the First Time” tracks Ariel’s (Halle Bailey) initial experience in the human realm. “Wild Uncharted Waters” is Eric’s (Jonah Hauer-King) powerful solo about his desire to leave his island and traverse the world. “Scuttlebutt,” a quintessential Miranda number, features a rap dialogue between the seagull Scuttle (Awkwafina) and the crab Sebastian (Daveed Diggs), discussing the day’s chatter.
Lyrics Get an Update
The advent of modern times (along with live-action and CGI) updates the lyrics. This iteration revised two musical cornerstones of the movie—”Kiss the Girl” and “Poor Unfortunate Souls”—. The former was adjusted to incorporate consent into the scene actively. Lines such as “Possible she wants you too, there is one way to ask her” transformed to “Possible she wants you too, use your words, boy, and ask her,” and “It doesn’t take a word, not a single word” changed to “If the time is right, and the time is tonight.”
Menken spoke to Vanity Fair about lyric changes in ‘Kiss the Girl,’ owing to contemporary sensitivities surrounding Prince Eric’s advances on Ariel. Similarly, ‘Poor Unfortunate Souls’ underwent some revisions to avoid giving young girls the impression that they should be reticent, even though Ursula manipulates Ariel to relinquish her voice. Jodi Benson, the original voice of Ariel, was supportive of these changes, noting the necessity for growth and awareness given that the world has evolved since the original film in 1986.
Sebastian’s Profession
In the original film, Sebastian was presented as the “distinguished court composer” of King Triton’s kingdom. However, in the new version, Sebastian seems to focus more on his role as the king’s trusted aide while maintaining his musical abilities, particularly in his colorful performance of “Under the Sea.”
The fun, albeit violent, culinary duel with a French chef from Prince Eric’s palace seems to be omitted in this rendition.
Ariel’s Sisters Take More Action
In the new version, Ariel’s sisters—Karina (Kajsa Mohammar), Tamika (Sienna King), Mala (Karolina Conchet), Caspia (Nathalie Sorrell), Perla (Lorena Andrea), and Indira (Simone Ashley)—play more substantial roles.
They reunite with their father for the annual Coral Moon, help clean up the kingdom following a shipwreck, conduct a search when Ariel disappears, and bid Ariel farewell as she embarks on her new journey.
Prince Eric’s Backstory
A notable overhaul in the storyline revolves around Prince Eric (Jonah Hauer-King), whose character is enriched by the new song, “Wild Uncharted Waters.” The prince is eager to explore the world beyond his kingdom, mirroring Ariel’s yearning for discovery.
This shared curiosity forms a common bond between the two. In this version, Eric was discovered on the shore after a shipwreck as an infant and adopted by his parents, the king, and queen. He confesses his discomfort with his inherited kingdom to Ariel.
Meeting the Queen
Although the character of Eric’s father remains unseen in the new film, we are introduced to his mother, the queen, portrayed by the dignified and confident Noma Dumezweni. In the 1989 film, Eric’s parents are absent, making this introduction a significant addition.
The queen serves as a grounding force amidst the youthful restlessness of her son. She urges him to stay home, cherish, and tend to the kingdom he already possesses, offering a sage perspective to counterbalance Eric’s eagerness to explore and venture out.
An Added Layer to Ursula’s Story
Underwater, another royal character, gains a family tie. Ursula (Melissa McCarthy), previously just an exiled figure, is revealed to be King Triton’s (Javier Bardem) estranged sister in the new version. This connection adds a bitter twist to her scheme against Ariel, who is now her niece. Ursula also adds an insidious tweak to her magic: she ensures Ariel forgets the terms required to stay human.
On a superficial note, Ursula has morphed from being a half woman, half squid, to becoming an octopus, courtesy of the generous $250 million budget allowing for eight tentacles instead of six.
Ariel Has Agency
Ariel, our protagonist, undergoes the most significant change. As portrayed by Halle Bailey, Ariel exerts more control over her story. Even though she’s mute during her three days on land, she sings several songs in her mind, narrating her experiences in her own way.
In this version, Ariel seizes the locket containing her voice from Ursula’s disguised human form, Vanessa (Jessica Alexander). Ariel also confronts Ursula directly, piloting a ship straight into her, a heroic act originally performed by Eric.
The Island Gets a New Look
Prince Eric’s realm receives a substantial makeover in the new adaptation. In the animated film, the nameless kingdom displayed a Mediterranean influence, with its town square bearing a European resemblance, bringing to mind scenes from Beauty and the Beast.
However, the new version shifts the focus to the kingdom’s island essence, making passing allusions to places like Cartagena, situated on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, and other Latin American locales. While the exact location remains ambiguous, the sandy, tropical beach and lively dances with the locals significantly enhance the island’s tropical ambiance, setting a different tone and offering a unique perspective to Ariel and Eric’s story.