The Little Mermaid gets first full trailer

Last Updated on April 4, 2023

The first full trailer for Disney’s live-action remake of The Little Mermaid has emerged from under the sea, premiering during Sunday night’s Academy Awards (literally during the show – but then again Disney owns ABC).

The marketing team behind has tried to take advantage of big TV audiences, debuting the teaser during Super Bowl LII. OK, so the Oscars have seen a major decline in ratings, but the ceremony is a far more fitting choice to debut The Little Mermaid’s trailer than, say, NCIS: Sheboygan…

The live-action The Little Mermaid follows the plot of the 1989 animated classic. Here’s the synopsis from the studio:

“The Little Mermaid” is the beloved story of Ariel, a beautiful and spirited young mermaid with a thirst for adventure. The youngest of King Triton’s daughters and the most defiant, Ariel longs to find out more about the world beyond the sea and, while visiting the surface, falls for the dashing Prince Eric. While mermaids are forbidden to interact with humans, Ariel must follow her heart. She makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, which gives her a chance to experience life on land but ultimately places her life – and her father’s crown – in jeopardy. The film stars singer and actress Halle Bailey (“grown-ish”) as Ariel; Jonah Hauer-King (“A Dog’s Way Home”) as Prince Eric; Tony Award® winner Daveed Diggs (“Hamilton”) as the voice of Sebastian; Awkwafina (“Raya and the Last Dragon”) as the voice of Scuttle; Jacob Tremblay (“Luca”) as the voice of Flounder; Noma Dumezweni (“Mary Poppins Returns”) as Queen Selina; Art Malik (“Homeland”) as Sir Grimsby; with Oscar® winner Javier Bardem (“No Country for Old Men”) as King Triton; and two-time Academy Award® nominee Melissa McCarthy (“Can You Ever Forgive Me?” “Bridesmaids”) as Ursula.      

The Little Mermaid is one of many live-action remakes from Disney on the slate. It joins Peter Pan & Wendy this year, while Snow White will be released in 2024. The Little Mermaid swims to theaters on May 26th.

What do you think of the trailer for The Little Mermaid? Where do you think it will rank with other live-action remakes of animated favorites? Let us know in the comments section below!