The Improved Love Story of Ariel and Eric in Little Mermaid Remake

During a recent interview, Jonah Hauer-King, who plays Prince Eric in Disney's live-action remake of The Little Mermaid, revealed an important change that enhances the relationship between Eric and Ariel. According to Hauer-King, the remake focuses on building the romance between the two characters on a strong foundation of friendship. This change deepens the bond between Ariel and Eric, making their love story even more compelling. When asked about his favorite new addition to the film, Hauer-King explains the significance of this change in his full explanation.

The relationship between Ariel and Eric in Disney's The Little Mermaid was unique in that it went beyond the typical romantic attraction. Instead, they were kindred spirits, both feeling restless and looking outwards from within the confines of their respective castles. What made their relationship special was the feeling that they were teaching each other things and were fascinated by each other's worlds, even though they didn't realize it until the end. This message of friendship being at the core of a lasting and special relationship is an important one and was a joy to explore, especially with such a talented co-star like Halle.

The Little Mermaid's Changes Are For The Best

The Little Mermaid remake introduces the idea of Ariel and Eric being kindred spirits, emphasizing the importance of their friendship. This modern take on the classic story is reflected in the updated songs, such as "Kiss the Girl," which now gives Ariel more agency and a deeper relationship with Eric. Bailey herself revealed that the remake changes Ariel's motivation for wanting to become human - it's not just about Eric, but also about her own desire for exploration, adventure, and freedom.

The Little Mermaid's changes may not appeal to everyone, but currently, the film has an impressive 95% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. While critics have a more mixed response, the remake seems to have found a balance between honoring the original and introducing new elements. Specifically, the emphasis on a friendship-based dynamic between Ariel and Eric is a strong and important change to the story.