Reveal The 8 Best And 4 Worst Differences In 'Little Mermaid' 2023 Vs. The Iconic 1989 Original

While Ariel has always been a feisty and fearless heroine, the 2023 adaptation takes her fierceness to a whole new level, showcasing her in action-packed scenes that were previously reserved for other characters in the original cartoon. This change, without a doubt, stands as the crown jewel of differences between the two versions.

• During the iconic "Kiss the Girl" sequence, Ariel ingeniously finds a way to reveal her name to Eric all by herself, leaving everyone in awe. In the original, Sebastian had to discreetly whisper it to Eric.
• In a thrilling turn of events, Ariel engages in a physical showdown with Vanessa/Ursula to reclaim her precious voice. Picture this: Ariel charges towards her, tackles her down, snatches the necklace off her neck, and hurls it to the ground. In the cartoon, it was Scuttle who inadvertently caused the necklace to fall off Vanessa.
• Brace yourself for the ultimate reversal! In the climactic battle against Ursula, the movie flips the script and places Ariel at the helm, steering the boat that impales the sea witch. Talk about a jaw-dropping twist!

Prepare to be swept away by the heartwarming bond that forms between Ariel and Eric over his vast collection of treasures and countless maps. You won't be able to resist the cuteness overload when Ariel uses the constellations to reveal her name to Eric—it's a moment that will melt your heart.

While the original movie showcased Eric's amusement at Ariel's inquisitiveness, this version takes it a step further, as Eric not only embraces her curiosity but shares the same thirst for knowledge. Truly soulmates in the making!

This has always been the case! Ariel sang her heart out in "Part of Your World" long before she laid eyes on Eric. However, the reboot subtly shifts the focus, portraying Ariel as slightly less obsessed with Eric based solely on his looks.

In the original, Cartoon Ariel was head over fins for that statue of Eric, but in this adaptation, her curiosity and fascination with humans take center stage, adding depth and relatability to her character.

Back in 1989, Ariel sealed her fate by signing a physical contract with Ursula, which left us wondering: If she can write, why not just pen a note to Eric? Fear not, as director Rob Marshall cunningly addresses this conundrum in the reboot. This time around, Ariel "signs" her contract with a drop of blood and a scale from her own tail, adding an extra layer of dark enchantment.

Prepare for a bone-chilling alteration! During her wicked melody about those who "couldn't pay the price," Ursula brandishes a collection of skulls, implying a swift demise for those who dare break a deal with her, rather than keeping their souls in her eerie garden. And guess what? There's even a complete merperson skeleton lurking at the depths of her lair.

Ah, "Vanessa," the human guise donned by Ursula to bewitch Eric and steal Ariel's voice. Fear not, as this bewitching element remains intact in the reboot. Jessica Alexander flawlessly embodies the role of Vanessa.

However, there's a delightful twist—the spell's power barely affects Eric this time around. Why? Well, because he's already head over heels for Ariel! Looks like 2023's Eric is a full-blown simp!

After their emotional reunion following the climactic Ursula battle, Ariel and Eric do tie the knot. However, this time, the movie takes a different approach. Instead of showcasing their wedding ceremony, it fast-forwards to a later point in time. We catch a glimpse of Ariel and Eric embarking on their lifelong dream—to explore the world and immerse themselves in diverse cultures, all with the heartfelt blessings of their families.

I always interpreted Ursula's intentions as convincing Ariel to accept her deal, not as a lesson on how young girls should conduct themselves. Let's not forget, we're talking about Ursula here – deceptive and manipulative! Besides, that verse was the highlight of the song. It's a shame we don't get to hear Melissa McCarthy, the perfect Ursula, deliver those lines.

It's safe to say that "The Scuttlebutt" has received a mixed reception, to put it mildly. Lin-Manuel Miranda's signature rap style, which works wonders in musical theater, feels utterly out of place both musically and narratively in the film. Sure, the wordplay is clever, but the two minutes dedicated to this number could have been better utilized elsewhere.

While Ariel's sisters didn't have significant roles in the original movie, they at least had a song! The reboot teased us with the promise of a more prominent presence for the Daughters of Triton by introducing new names and ethnicities—Princess Indira, portrayed by Bridgerton's Simone Ashley, being a standout.

These mersisters now serve as Triton's emissaries, reporting back to him annually from across the ocean—an intriguing twist! Sadly, their potential was severely neglected to accommodate Scuttle's rap escapade.

When Ursula transforms Ariel into a human, she sneakily incorporates a touch of amnesia into the spell, erasing Ariel's recollection of the three-day time constraint to kiss Eric. Perhaps the writer/director intended to ensure Ariel's interactions with Eric were organic, free of any hidden agenda. While the intention may have been noble, it only muddled the waters and left us uncertain about Ariel's retained memories from her encounter with Ursula.

Ultimately, this particular detail has minimal impact on Eric and Ariel's relationship, rendering it rather unnecessary and perplexing.

So, did the live-action remake win your heart, or do you still prefer the OG version? Or, like me, are you destined to watch both endlessly? Share your thoughts below, and let the eternal mermaid debate continue!