Interview: Cast and Crew of “The Little Mermaid”
We’re flipping our fins and finally getting somewhere with the live adaptation of The Little Mermaid starring Halle Berry, Melissa McCarthy, and Awkwafina to name a few.
Just like the beloved Disney classic, Ariel (Halle Berry) craves an adventure beyond the beautiful sea she calls home. Falling for Prince Eric, Ariel doesn’t hesitate to pursue her love for him even if it means seeking help from the evil sea witch.
With overflowing excitement for Halle Berry taking on the main role and the portrayal of other characters in this live adaptation, the cast and crew are filled with just as much enthusiasm for the film’s release.
Here’s the scoop on the cast and crew of The Little Mermaid!
The Cast of “The Little Mermaid”
Halle Berry is an American singer and actress who is ready to take on the world as Ariel in this Disney live adaptation. Some of her most popular roles include The Lion King, Grown-ish, and Let It Shine.
Melissa McCarthy – One of the most popular screenwriters, producers, and actresses in the industry, Melissa comes to the big screen for the iconic role of Ursula after starring in Ghostbusters, Spy, and Bridesmaids.
Javier Bardem plays the almighty King Triton after winning an academy award for his role in No Country for Old Men. The Spanish actor has delved into numerous genres including horror and romance.
Daveed Diggs is an American rapper, actor, and singer that plays the lively Sebastian who previously starred in Hamilton.
Awkwafina returns as the legendary character, Scuttle after her previous roles in Shang-Chi and Crazy Rich Asians.
Jacob Tremblay is Ariel’s supportive friend in the Disney classic. The Canadian actor is known for his breakout performance in Room. He has also recently taken a voice acting role for Luca.
Jonah Hauer-King becomes Ariel’s true love in The Little Mermaid. The British actor starred in A Dog’s Way Home, Old Boys, and Ashes in the Snow.
Noma Dumezweni is a South African and British actress that plays Queen Selina but is known for her roles in Dirty Pretty Things and The Undoing.
The Crew of “The Little Mermaid”
Rob Marshall is the director and producer of The Little Mermaid. Before bringing this classic adaptation to life, Rob also created a film version of the Broadway musical, Chicago and other films including Into the Woods and Mary Poppins Returns.
Lin-Manuel Miranda is the composer and producer of the upcoming film. While he is known for creating the musicals In the Heights and Hamilton, his most recent achievements stem from the soundtracks of Moana, Encanto, and Vivo.
Alan Menken is a famous composer that has created music for some of the biggest Disney movies. His work includes Aladdin, Tangled, Little Shop of Horrors, Disenchanted, and The Little Mermaid.
John DeLuca is an actor and singer known for his roles on the Disney channel such as Teen Beach Movie. He also starred in the Chicago (2002) film version.
Halle Berry Falls Into The Role of ‘Ariel’
It’s not a surprise that Disney princesses have inspired young girls in everyday life from overcoming fears to exploring the world.
Halle Berry talks about the similarities between her and Ariel and the aspects of the character and film that inspires her. “I tell people all the time I feel like Ariel truly has helped me find myself and this young woman version of me. From 18 to now being 23, those are very intense transformative years as you’re developing as a young woman.”
“But I feel like especially these themes of the film and what she had to go through with her passions and drive and speaking up for herself. Even though it may be scary, she went for it. I feel like those things I really try to adopt and give to Halle now. So, she’s taught me so much, for sure.”
Diversity & Awkwafina’s Thoughts on ‘Scuttle’
The Little Mermaid has made quite the splash as a live adaptation of a Disney classic blending in a diverse cast. Awkwafina gives her thoughts on the diversity of the cast, “I think it reflects the world we live in. And I think that everyone deserves to see themselves on screen.”
Scuttle is one of the most eccentric characters in the film that seems to know more about humans than other animals. His presence is hard to miss with his fascination for human treasure.
Awkwafina briefly shares her thoughts on embodying Scuttle. “Yes, I do feel a kinship with Scuttle. I mean, I am Scuttle. Like after two margaritas, you know what I mean, on a Tuesday.”
Jacob Stepping Into ‘Flounder’ Role From His Childhood
The remake of classics can put an intense amount of pressure on not just the directors and producers but also the actors. However, Jacob is reminded of his love for The Little Mermaid and worked diligently to become a Flounder that everyone will remember.
Jacob says, “I did definitely watch it quite a few times before going to film because I did wanna make sure that when people watch the film, they felt like it was Flounder because obviously there’s a lot of things that I had to embody like his anxiety and his anxiousness.”
“But at the same time, I wanted to make sure I made him my own, and I think that’s when having everyone there really came in just being able to riff off each other.”
Jonah as ‘Prince Eric’ With His Thoughts of The Movie
While the main focus is undoubtedly on Ariel (Halle Berry), viewers can’t forget about the man that captures Ariel’s heart.
Jonah shares his feelings on playing the role of Prince Eric, “It’s a huge honor, but I think what’s special about this is it’s all the whole story, the whole film feels very grounded in reality. So, the Disney prince and the Disney princess aspect is amazing and it’s fun and exciting.”
Jonah also mentions a flawless aspect of the movie by saying, “I think watching it last night made me realize that for all of us, even though we’re living in this fantasy space, it just feels really connected to the world and to the real world.”
Melissa further chimes in about the talented cast bringing the movie to life, “You’ve tethered like that these are real people and that everyone walks with the same problems and the same troubles and worries. And I think that’s the big difference is you guys brought your humanity to the screen.”
Exploring Eric And Ariel’s Love Story
While the classic love story of two individuals finding love within each other is special, Eric and Ariel’s relationship goes even deeper in this live adaptation.
Jonah shares his thoughts on their relationship, “Friendship, I think. Disney romances are always filled with that instinctive attraction to one another. We all wanna see that. But I think what was fun about this was looking at Ariel and Eric as two people who were kindred spirits who felt a little bit restless, who felt like they were behind the four walls of their respective castles and were very much looking outwards and not in.”
“And I think what was nice about that was that it meant that their relationship feels really earnt. They both felt like they were teaching each other things. They were excited and fascinated by each other’s worlds although they didn’t actually know it until the end.”
Jonah shares more of his thoughts by saying, “And so, that was really lovely because I think, it’s a really good message for what it means to be in love and what it means to be in a relationship is ultimately tied to friendship. That’s the fundamental thing about it. And that’s why it lasts, and that’s what makes it special.”
Javier Playing Ariel’s Father, King Triton
The special aspect of father and daughter love shines through in The Little Mermaid and is ultimately a part of the movie that brings the tale together.
Javier shares his thoughts on playing the role, “It’s about a man who is deeply in love as a father with his daughter, and he’s confused and his fear and insecurity with that love. But he’s blocking her from her being free. So that kind of relationship is what I have to create, and that’s the role I have to play in the tale, for the tale to make sense.”
Introducing The New Character Queen Selina
Queen Selina is not a character that exists in the original movie. Noma shares her thoughts on playing the role of a new character, “I’m trusting Rob Marshall and Bernard Telsey casting and all the people involved. We want you to be part of this, and we’re creating this story, because you go, “They know the story inside and out.” They’ve done their work.”
“My daughter was 12 when I got this gig, and she just turned 16 a few weeks ago. So the sense of the work that’s there because they know what they would like to see, so therefore, Giovanna, I was very lucky. All I do is just trust the people I’m working with.”
How Awkwafina Prepares For Voice Roles
Most of her previous roles have been live-action films but her role in the Disney classic involves voice acting for Scuttle.
Awkwafina shares her not-so-routine to help prepare her for roles, “I can say that I take a B12 vitamin before. No, I don’t, I really don’t. I wake up, I show up. Usually, I’m in Crocs. And I’m just like, all right, let’s run it, Jed. And then we do it. You know, you just got to bring yourself and make sure you don’t have Covid.”
Bringing “The Little Mermaid” to a New Generation
The cast of the movie drop their thoughts on the meaning of the film being reintroduced as a live adaptation for the new generation of kids.
Daveed says, “I stood in line to see the Little Mermaid opening night in Oakland when it first came out. That was just this moment of oh, yeah, this thing that was sort of a fundamental part of my childhood is gonna be that maybe for this little girl, who was also so terrified of Ursula that I had to introduce her to Melissa afterward so that she didn’t have nightmares.”
Melissa shares some of her experience when kids met her for the first time in her role as Ursula, “I kept trying. Like, I tried to get really low. They were so tiny and so cute. And I was like, “Hi, what’s your name?” And she was like, mm-mm. And then the one was just like, I see you, and I’m not buying it.”
Jonah also mentions reactions to his role, “And it was amazing seeing my mom’s reaction. It was amazing seeing my sister’s reaction. But seeing this little boy’s reaction, who I’d never met before, and seeing how taken in by the story he was, how transported by it, it was really, really special, because he was just with it.”
What The Audience Should Look Forward to
Halle mentions what an adventure filming was for this classic but shares a particular scene that will always stick with her. “I definitely think there were so many moments that were so much fun to film. But the funniest and most hilarious moment will be the [slip rig?] moment with me and Jonah.”
“So we were both trying to survive this moment in the tank at Pinewood, it’s so intense. When they turn on the thunder and lightning and fires around us and the waves, it feels like you’re in the middle of the ocean, like actually in the middle of a thunderstorm.”
This powerful Disney live adaptation will not only bring beloved characters to life but will set the stage for even more diversity with delightful fantasy worlds grounded in reality. This version of The Little Mermaid is bound to become a part of your world.
Watch in your local theater starting May 26th! Be on the lookout for the movie on Disney Plus!
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