Disney’s upcoming live-action “The Little Mermaid” is noted for having three new songs added to the mix, which partly explains its lengthy runtime that is near double that of its animated progenitor.
The three new songs are composed by Oscar-winning songwriter and composer Alan Menken, who worked on the original film, along with the one and only Lin-Manuel Miranda, who has become a go to talent for Disney Animation.
However, it turns out the film is also subtracting at least one, possibly two, of the original film’s songs – “Daughters of Triton” and “Les Poissons”. In the original film, ‘Daughters’ is performed by Ariel’s sisters at the story’s start. In the song, King Triton realises his youngest daughter Ariel is not with the rest of the family.
In an interview with Comicbook.com, Menken spoke about that song’s removal. It turns out it was because there was a priority by the filmmakers for a bigger build-up to one of the most iconic early songs in the film – “Part of Your World”:
“I think the thought process was that we didn’t need in this particular version. And we definitely wanted the film to start with a much more of a live-action feel of the ocean and meeting Ariel, and then we wait a little bit, make you wait until we get to ‘Part of Your World.’
I think that was, you know, it was an amazing choice because it just builds the power and anticipation. And part of that is also knowing you’re adapting something that’s already beloved. So you want to say, ‘Wait for it, wait for it, wait for it – and here it is.’ And when it comes, God.”
Meanwhile, “Les Poissons” was performed in the original by Chef Louie (Rene Auberjonois) when Sebastian finds himself trapped in the kitchen. Eagle-eyed viewers have noticed the number is missing from the remake’s official soundtrack.
The news comes as the film has screened to a mostly positive early reaction so far, though there remains a lot of talk about the visual effects and the film’s more ‘realistic’ sea creature depiction.
“The Little Mermaid” is on track for a solid four-day Memorial Day holiday weekend debut of around $110 million, according to early projections. The film opens in cinemas on May 26th.
