Disney Legend Alan Menken Shines in Little Mermaid Remake Collaboration

The collaboration process between The Little Mermaid's producer John DeLuca, director Rob Marshall, and composer Alan Menken has been a seamless one. Menken, who was a composer and co-songwriter on the animated Little Mermaid, returns to adapt his original score and songs while also working with Lin-Manuel Miranda to write new songs for the upcoming movie. Menken's contribution to Disney's music legacy is unparalleled, with The Little Mermaid being a shining example.

In an exclusive interview with Screen Rant, DeLuca expressed his admiration for Miranda and Menken as collaborators. While DeLuca and Marshall had previously worked with Miranda, Menken was a new addition to the team. However, DeLuca described him as "the most open soul," and praised his lack of ego which made the collaboration process much smoother. Check out the full interview and quote below:

John DeLuca praises his collaborators, stating that they are the best he could ask for. Lin, with whom they have a history, and Alan, who is new, are both great to work with. Alan is particularly open-minded, which is why his genius is always shining through. He listens to everyone's ideas and does not let his ego get in the way. Lin is similar in this regard, as they both approach their work like children, with open hearts and minds.

When they wrote the first draft, they decided where new songs should be placed and created a template for what they wanted the story to say. Their collaborators embraced their vision and asked for more, showing true collaboration and dedication to the project. This approach, as if they had never achieved any merit, was the best way to work and brought out the best in everyone involved.

The Power Of Legendary Disney Composers Makes For A Fresh Take On The Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid has earned its place as one of Disney's most iconic animated films, thanks to its beloved music. The live-action adaptation is set to once again bring these songs to life on the big screen, but this time, with a fresh perspective and new voices. Alan Menken, who played a crucial role in crafting the original music, has infused some songs with elements of Caribbean music, injecting new energy into the score.

Lin-Manuel Miranda, on the other hand, approaches the music from a place of love and respect, capturing the heart of the story and the original music while also introducing new songs. Menken, known for scoring classic Disney films like The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and Beauty and the Beast, and Miranda, who has contributed to recent Disney hits like Moana and Encanto, bring a wealth of creative styles and experience to the table. Together, this dynamic duo is the perfect team to honor the original music while also giving it a fresh twist for the film adaptation.