At this point in time, it’s not difficult to point out the plethora of changes made ahead of Disney’s live-action The Little Mermaid. From Flounder’s redesign — which folks have learned to appreciate — to a breathtakingly new film soundtrack, these aforementioned changes have undoubtedly enhanced the movie’s viewing pleasure — and one of those significant changes relates to the lyrics of the iconic anthem “Kiss The Girl.” And, honestly, I believe this is the most important change in the entire movie.
As many of you are already aware, the infamous anthem is delivered by Sebastian the crab — a choice that is repeated in the updated live-action. However, the change is highlighted in the song’s lyrics, where in the classic 1989 version, Sebastian insists that Prince Eric essentially shut Ariel up by going in for a kiss without asking. That being said, the newly live-action includes the lyrics “use your words, boy, and ask her” before moving into the chorus.
And if it weren’t obvious enough, this lyric change is monumental when it comes to the sensitive topic of consent, in which this generation’s Sebastian urges Prince Eric to do the right thing and ask for Ariel’s consent before simply kissing her without warning. Of course, the common theme surrounding Disney live-action remakes is that unnecessary changes are made that don’t need to be. But this time around, this change is seriously necessary and needs to be spread as a message for girls everywhere. Consent is key!
Be sure to grab your personalized karaoke microphone and get ready to sing along when The Little Mermaid swims into theaters this Friday, May 26.