The first reactions to The Little Mermaid are in, and the vibe is overwhelmingly positive for the live-action remake starring Halle Bailey as the iconic Disney princess. There’s also lots of love for Melissa McCarthy who plays the villainous sea witch Ursula.
While critics are blown away by the lead performances, particularly when it comes to the musical numbers, The Little Mermaid‘s visual effects are mentioned several times, and the overall consensus is they’re iffy. However, that doesn’t seem to detract from the rest of the film, which is racking up near-universal praise in the first batch of social media reactions.
“#TheLittleMermaid was an ABSOLUTE gem! @HalleBailey IS Ariel, no matter what anyone says,” The Illuminerdi writer Stephanie Ramirez tweeted. “She brings in the charm and personality of Ariel to life. Melissa McCarthy as Ursula was just *chef kiss*. This film was such a joy to experience.”
#TheLittleMermaid was an ABSOLUTE gem! @HalleBailey IS Ariel, no matter what anyone says. She brings in the charm and personality of Ariel to life.
Melissa McCarthy as Ursula was just *chef kiss*. This film was such a joy to experience. pic.twitter.com/QNaq6uRsLi
— Stephanie Ramirez (@SweetnShy13) May 9, 2023
“The Little Mermaid is magical,” Tessa Smith wrote. “Halle Bailey is absolutely phenomenal. That girl has some pipes! Scuttle & Sebastian are hilarious & had me laughing the whole way through. Love the new songs & added plot points! Some CGI issues, but they don’t take away from it.”
The Little Mermaid is magical. Halle Bailey is absolutely phenomenal. That girl has some pipes! Scuttle & Sebastian are hilarious & had me laughing the whole way through. Love the new songs & added plot points! Some CGI issues, but they don’t take away from it. #TheLittleMermaid pic.twitter.com/PCDRNotK7L
— Tessa Smith – Mama’s Geeky (@MamasGeeky) May 9, 2023
“I was blown away by #TheLittleMermaid,” Brandon Lewis tweeted. “Some visual issues aside, it’s the most romantic and, dare I say, magical Disney has been in years. The best live-action remake by a mile. Daveed Diggs is the MVP. Halle Bailey is a superstar, and her Part of Your World is a showstopper.”
I was blown away by #TheLittleMermaid. Some visual issues aside, it’s the most romantic and, dare I say, magical Disney has been in years. The best live-action remake by a mile. Daveed Diggs is the MVP. Halle Bailey is a superstar, and her Part of Your World is a showstopper. pic.twitter.com/496HuuTfcd
— Brandon Lewis (@blewis1103) May 9, 2023
“#TheLittleMermaid makes it pretty close to being the best live action Disney movie, however it still struggles in the villain department,” Felicia Wade wrote. “Halle Bailey IS Ariel and I had literal chills throughout her performance. This is a little mermaid retelling like you’ve never seen before.”
#TheLittleMermaid makes it pretty close to being the best live action Disney movie, however it still struggles in the villain department. Halle Bailey IS Ariel and I had literal chills throughout her performance. This is a little mermaid retelling like you’ve never seen before. pic.twitter.com/JjtLOR61vL
— Felicia (@becomingfelicia) May 9, 2023
You can see more reactions to The Little Mermaid below:
#TheLittleMermaid captures the magic of the original animated movie. Halle Bailey makes Ariel her own. Her chemistry with Jonah Hauer-King makes this movie soar. Daveed Diggs’ Sebastian is a scene stealer! pic.twitter.com/9Shc1VAVD3
— Meredith Loftus
(@MeredithLoftus) May 9, 2023
#TheLittleMermaid is a TRIUMPH. All the heart of the story we love, but with more depth and sincerity. The best of the live-action craze. Halle Bailey portrays Ariel with warmth and realism, and Melissa McCarthy is devilishly perfect as Ursula. A new Disney classic is born.
— Amber Oelkers (@Ambear819) May 9, 2023
#TheLittleMermaid really surprised me. It’s my favorite Disney live-action remake by far. (Not saying much I know.) Halle Bailey’s voice is phenomenal, and Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric is charming. The rest of the cast is solid. The animals still look creepy but grew on me. pic.twitter.com/syjAjP3uCw
— John Nguyen (@JohnSpartan300) May 9, 2023
My favorite part of #TheLittleMermaid was when the audience at my screening spontaneously broke out into applause after Halle Bailey’s rendition of “Part of Your World” and I hope you all have that experience pic.twitter.com/sDdMiYw6Lp
— Zoë Rose Bryant (@ZoeRoseBryant) May 9, 2023
Get ready to be swept away, because #TheLittleMermaid is actually quite wonderful. Halle Bailey is amazing, Melissa McCarthy rocks & Jonah Hauer-King is delightful as Prince Eric. Music & singing are aces. Adored the Sebastian (Daveed Diggs) & Scuttle (Awkwafina) banter duo. pic.twitter.com/WvrlAdGoL8
— Fico (@FicoCangiano) May 9, 2023
The Little Mermaid is truly AN EPIC WATCH!!! The music in this movie!!
FREAKINGGGGGGGWOWWWWW!!
You laugh, you cry, you sing along!!I know I,’m gonna be singing these songs
For weeks to come!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/XfzSrdgRyo— KELENDRIA ROWLAND (@KELLYROWLAND) May 9, 2023
The Little Mermaid swims into theaters on May 26.