Initial Reactions to 'The Little Mermaid' Praise Halle Bailey's Portrayal of Ariel

Ahead of its global theatrical release, critics had a chance to enjoy an early viewing of Disney‘s upcoming live-action remake of The Little Mermaid starring Halle Bailey.

Just last month at CinemaCon, Disney gave audiences a glimpse of Melissa McCarthy singing “Poor Unfortunate Souls” as Ursula. The soundtrack to the film is produced by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Alan Menken and features four original songs. Joining Bailey and McCarthy, the cast also includes Javier Bardem as King Triton, Noma Dumezweni as Queen Selina, Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric, Jacob Tremblay voicing Flounder, Daveed Diggs voicing Sebastian and Awkwafina voicing Scuttle.

The initial reactions to the film are overwhelmingly positive for Bailey’s portrayal of Ariel. Critics called Bailey “extraordinary.” The general consensus from the audience is that the performance of the cast stood out the most. While the performances were one to commend, one critic mentioned, “Bailey is great, McCarthy rules, the songs work but it just feels so unnecessary.” Another stated that the film looks “visually rough” to maintain the under-the-sea setting, but commended Bailey’s “gorgeous singing and empathetic charm.”

The Little Mermaid premieres on May 26.

#TheLittleMermaid makes it pretty close to being the best live action Disney movie, however it still struggles in the villain department. Halle Bailey IS Ariel and I had literal chills throughout her performance. This is a little mermaid retelling like you’ve never seen before. pic.twitter.com/JjtLOR61vL

— Felicia (@becomingfelicia) May 9, 2023

Disney’s #TheLittleMermaid is definitely one of the better live-action adaptions. Halle Bailey pours incredible emotion into Ariel and I got chills watching her, while Melissa McCarthy’s Ursula and Daveed Diggs’ Sebastian steal scenes all day. pic.twitter.com/DHhIkbIj8s

— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) May 9, 2023

#TheLittleMermaid is a tribute to all little girls to dream big. Halle Bailey is sheer magic and Daveed Diggs a delight as Sebastian. pic.twitter.com/kLD2y62dIF

— Kathia Woods (@kathia_woods) May 9, 2023

#TheLittleMermaid is a live-action remake that retains the heart and soul of the story we know and love, and it’s elevated even further by a note-perfect star-making performance from Halle Bailey – she was born to be on the big screen, & she’s why this new take is worth watching. pic.twitter.com/Tcewp2L4MY

— Zoë Rose Bryant (@ZoeRoseBryant) May 9, 2023

It may look visually rough under the sea, but THE LITTLE MERMAID eventually recreates some of the original’s magic through its timeless story & cast. Daveed Diggs & Melissa McCarthy are highlights but Halle Bailey is the one astonishes with her gorgeous singing & empathetic charm pic.twitter.com/DhmmtOLaLJ

— Matt Neglia (@NextBestPicture) May 9, 2023

It’s real simple. Are you excited for #TheLittleMermaid? You’ll like it. It’s exactly what you think it is. Are you skeptical and worried about it? That’s valid too. It looks weird and disjointed. Bailey is great, McCarthy rules, the songs work but it just feels so unnecessary. pic.twitter.com/n4qp7MsVFH

— Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) May 9, 2023

#TheLittleMermaid is filled with a few great performances from Halle Bailey and Melissa McCarthy, but it's a mostly paint-by-numbers remake that's isn't as good as the animated masterpiece. pic.twitter.com/YY4ielYXiR

— Kirsten (@KirstenAcuna) May 9, 2023

Endearing but uneven, #TheLittleMermaid doesn’t deliver the magic of the animated classic but there are plenty of creative touches from Rob Marshall to float the audience’s boats. Halle Bailey and Melissa McCarthy are great. Daveed Diggs and Awkwafina provide solid comic relief. pic.twitter.com/kt1pVURZiL

— Simon Thompson (@ShowbizSimon) May 9, 2023

#TheLittleMermaid: Charming, but incredibly spotty. Halle Bailey, Jonah Hauer-King, Melissa McCarthy & Javier Bardem put their heart & souls into a film that can’t escape its animated legacy. Best when it leans into campy bonkers, yet limits its fantasy elements for no reason. pic.twitter.com/c7Bt2BO5rq

— Courtney Howard (@Lulamaybelle) May 9, 2023

Disney’s live-action is magical, emotional and enchanting. Rob Marshall just directed Disney’s best ever live action film. Lin-Manuel Miranda and Alan Menken’s beautiful music shines. Halle Bailey is absolutely extraordinary! and Melissa McCarthy is a bad-ass Ursula. pic.twitter.com/4ZlpsF8m0D

— Jazz Tangcay (@jazzt) May 9, 2023

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