Go Under the Sea With These Secrets About the Original Version of The Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid’s 36th Anniversary: 17 Surprising Behind-the-Scenes Facts

Disney’s animated classic The Little Mermaid celebrates its 36th anniversary. The film was first released on November 17, 1989. It revitalized the Disney studio and launched the Disney Renaissance era. Its success continues to resonate with audiences today.

According to sources like the Associated Press, the film earned over $230 million worldwide. It also won two Academy Awards for its iconic music. The story was based on the 1837 Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale.

The Little Mermaid

Original Casting and Character Design Secrets

Ariel was originally conceived as a blonde character. Supervising animator Mark Penn recalled executives insisting all mermaids were blonde. The decision to give her red hair was an artistic choice to complement the underwater color palette.

Model Christie Brinkley was the initial physical model for Ariel. The voice of Ariel, Jodi Benson, was selected after a blind audition process. Her tape was chosen a full year after her initial audition. Co-director Ron Clements revealed that Jim Carrey auditioned for Prince Eric.

Lasting Cultural Impact and Modern Adaptations

The film’s success paved the way for future Disney hits like Beauty and the Beast. It established a new standard for animated musical storytelling. The live-action adaptation released in 2023 introduced the story to new generations.

Original voice actress Jodi Benson continues to voice Ariel for Disney projects. She estimates she sings “Part of Your World” at least once a week. Benson made a cameo appearance in the 2023 live-action version starring Halle Bailey.

The Little Mermaid’s legacy continues to grow after 36 years. Its innovative animation and memorable songs created an enduring classic. The film remains a beloved part of Disney’s animated history.

Dropping this nugget your way

Was Ariel almost a blonde character?

Yes, early designs featured Ariel as blonde. Executives initially believed all mermaids should be blonde. The red hair was chosen later for artistic reasons.

Who almost played Ursula in the original film?

Joan Collins was the first choice for the sea witch. Early sketches were based on her appearance. The role ultimately went to Pat Carroll.

How long did the storm scene take to animate?

The two-minute storm sequence took ten animators a full year. Millions of bubbles were drawn by hand for the film. No two bubbles were exactly the same.

What song was almost cut from the film?

“Part of Your World” was nearly removed after test screenings. Executives worried children would become restless. Lyricist Howard Ashman threatened to leave if it was cut.

How was Sebastian’s character created?

Sebastian was originally written as a British character. Howard Ashman suggested changing him to Jamaican. This inspired the calypso-style “Under the Sea” song.