Disney has released the official trailer and poster for the live-action The Little Mermaid . The film will be a retelling of one of the most classic animations in children’s stories, and will feature Halle Bailey and Melissa McCarthy as protagonists. The actresses released the trailer during the Oscar 2023 broadcast, which took place this Sunday, the 12th. Signed by director Rob Marshall ( Chicago ), the feature premieres exclusively in theaters in May 2023.

Retelling a story of love and rebellion, The Little Mermaid follows the life of Ariel, a young woman who is half fish and half people. Youngest daughter of the mighty King Triton, she yearns to discover what lies beyond the sea, even if it displeases her father.

One day, while visiting the surface, she falls in love with the elegant Prince Eric, but knowing that she cannot set foot on solid ground, she goes after Ursula, a powerful witch who helps her live her love, but puts her life – and the crown from his father—in danger.

Who is in the cast of the live-action The Little Mermaid?

In addition to the protagonists, the cast also features Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric, Daveed Diggs as the voice of Sebastian, Awkwafina as the voice of Sabidão, Jacob Tremblay as Flounder, Noma Dumezweni as Queen Selina, among others. The role of the mighty King Triton went to Javier Bardem, who has starred in features such as No Country for Old Men , Mom! , and Eat, Pray, Love .

David Magee ( Life of Pi ) wrote the script and Alan Menken ( Beauty and the Beast ), Howard Ashman and Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote the soundtrack . The songs are now available to be pre-saved and pre-purchased on the Disney website .

When does The Little Mermaid open in theaters?
The live-action The Little Mermaid already has a confirmed date to debut on the big screen: it hits theaters on May 25th.