Disney’s live-action retelling of The Little Mermaid swims into theaters this weekend, and the all-star cast is opening up about their favorite songs from the fairytale film, and it’s safe to say that we’re going to be emotional when we swim into theaters to see the big debut.
Melissa McCarthy, who plays Ursula, and Javier Bardem, who plays our sea daddy King Triton, spoke with Entertainment Tonight about their favorite song in the upcoming film, and they both acknowledged that it’s a profoundly moving moment.
Bardem and McCarthy’s pick is “Part of Your World,” and it lends to a beautiful moment that many fans will soon resonate with when they swim into theaters to see The Little Mermaid this weekend. Not only does he believe it’s a powerhouse of a performance from Halle Bailey, but it’s also special because it’s the first time we’ll hear her in song as Ariel.
“What she does with her voice in that song, it’s very special. And also, it’s the first song in the movie.”
McCarthy echoes Bardem’s sentiments, saying that the entire experience was deeply emotional for her as she saw Bailey transform into a Disney princess for the first time. She’s not just powerful; she’s vulnerable and authentic — it’s not just a song she sings as she sees something she wants to explore; it’s a moment when Ariel breaks her heart open in hopes of someone hearing her pleas.
“I’m telling you, it’s like I almost get choked up. When she finishes that song, I literally burst out crying, I was clapping, I was breathing weirdly and I literally wanted to stand up and be like, ‘It’s not just ’cause you are an amazing actress. It’s not because your voice is from another planet, it [is you],’ It was how she chose to portray that strong, yet vulnerable woman. And I think it’s a game changer and I think kids are going to look up to her and be like, ‘That is me. I can do anything. I can choose the course of my destiny.’ I think she just played it with such incredible strength and vulnerability at the same time, that was perfect.”
Some of the first reviews for The Little Mermaid have made their way to social platforms, and one thing is for sure; those of us with Disney in our hearts will feel a sense of nostalgia and magic when we sit in theaters for an experience we’ve been waiting years for.
It’s larger than life, it’s under the sea, and it’s going to be one delightful adventure. So grab your conch and your best fins because The Little Mermaid swims into our hearts (and a theater near you) on May 26.