Disney's enchanting live-action remake of The Little Mermaid is set to make a splash on UK television screens this Christmas evening. The film, which captivated cinema audiences in 2023, will air on Channel 4's E4 at 6.30pm on Wednesday, December 25.
A Festive Television Premiere for a Box Office Hit
The broadcast marks a major television event, bringing the blockbuster directly to living rooms across the country. The 2023 adaptation, directed by Rob Marshall, is a lavish retelling of Disney's beloved 1989 animated classic, itself inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale.
It stars Halle Bailey in the breakthrough role of Ariel, with Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric. The impressive supporting cast features Melissa McCarthy as Ursula, alongside Daveed Diggs, Awkwafina, Jacob Tremblay, and Javier Bardem.
The production was a monumental undertaking, with reported costs soaring to around $355 million. This investment paid off, as the film became a global box office sensation, grossing over $569 million worldwide and securing its place among the top ten highest-earning films of 2023.
Audience Acclaim and Critical Praise
The film has been a resounding hit with viewers, earning an outstanding 93% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Fans have flooded the site with glowing reviews, many highlighting it as Disney's best live-action remake to date.
"I liked it better than the original! Halle Bailey is a star on the horizon! Perfect casting!" wrote one enthusiastic viewer. Another stated, "The Little Mermaid is a must-see film. The casting is superb... Halle Bailey shines as Ariel, embodying the role perfectly."
While critical reviews were more mixed, with a 67% rating on the aggregator site, praise for Halle Bailey's performance was virtually unanimous. Critics described her turn as "remarkable" and "enchanting," with one noting she provides the film's "most impressive saving grace." Another reviewer called her casting "the most perfect casting for a live-action remake Disney has ever done."
What to Expect From The Story
The plot follows Ariel, the youngest and most curious daughter of King Triton, who yearns to explore the human world. After saving Prince Eric from a shipwreck, she falls in love and makes a perilous deal with the sea witch, Ursula. The bargain grants her legs to walk on land but places her life and her father's kingdom in grave danger.
With its combination of spectacular visuals, beloved musical numbers, and a star-making central performance, The Little Mermaid promises to be the perfect centrepiece for Christmas night viewing. Don't miss its UK television premiere on E4.
