The Tale of The Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid, based on Hans Christian Andersen's classic fairy tale, tells the story of mermaid Ariel, a princess who dreams of becoming human and rebels against her overprotective father, King Triton. In her quest to walk on land, she makes a deal with the sea witch Ursula. The animated film was released to instant acclaim for its fantastic animation, great musical numbers, and entertaining story, winning two Academy Awards.
Ariel, Sebastian, and Flounder in Disney's 1989 animated The Little Mermaid
The 2023 live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid carries the torch of the original and features several great musical numbers, including the toe-tapping 'Under The Sea,' performed by Sebastian, Triton's advisor and court composer. Sebastian is known as one of Disney's most entertaining sidekicks, but the question of whether he is a crab or a lobster has sparked confusion over the years.
Sebastian in Ariel's hands in Disney's animated The Little Mermaid
Sebastian: Crab or Lobster?
The debate over whether Sebastian is a crab or a lobster has been ongoing, with Disney merchandise adding to the confusion by mislabeling Sebastian as a lobster. However, in The Little Mermaid, Sebastian is clearly identified as a crab, as confirmed by scenes in the film. Despite the confusion, Sebastian's species has remained consistent across various The Little Mermaid movies and appearances.
Sebastian and Ariel in the animated Little Mermaid
The 2023 live-action remake of The Little Mermaid has cleared up this confusion by basing its sea life on their real-world counterparts. The design for Sebastian in the live-action movie is based on that of a tropical ghost crab, further confirming that Sebastian is indeed a crab. The live-action adaptation's realistic portrayal of sea creatures has brought clarity to Sebastian's species.
Sebastian on a bed of seaweed in the live-action The Little Mermaid
Behind the Scenes of Sebastian
Daveed Diggs, who voices Sebastian in the live-action remake, showed great commitment to the role by researching the character's voice and cultural origins. Diggs spent time in Trinidad and Jamaica to ensure his vocals were consistent and recognizable, reflecting the culture and speech patterns of the Caribbean. His dedication to portraying Sebastian's character adds depth to the upcoming live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid.
Sebastian cheering with Flounder and Scuttle in The Little Mermaid.
