Why Little Mermaid Remake Removed One Original Song From The Animated Film

The composer for Disney’s live-action The Little Mermaid explains why a major introductory song was removed from the remake. The original movie started with “Daughters of Triton,” with each of Ariel’s sisters introducing themselves to the audience. Unfortunately, Ariel isn’t among them, making it clear that she isn’t quite like her sisters. Based on 1989 animated The Little Mermaid, the remake will tell its own version of the story of Princess Ariel (Halle Bailey) and Prince Eric (Jonah Hauer-King). The two will still meet and fall in love, but Disney has elected to change a few things about their story, including Ariel’s motivation and song change-ups.

In an interview with ComicBook.com, The Little Mermaid composer Alan Menken talks about the song “Daughters of Triton” not being included in the remake. According to Menken, the song did not fit the actual product but iterates that removing it adds an element of suspense before Ariel’s arrival and makes the . Check out his quote below:

“Daughters of Triton” isn’t the only song facing changes in The Little Mermaid’s remake. There have been some divisive lyrical changes in The Little Mermaid remake, including adjustments to “Kiss the Girl.” The corrections have largely been Disney’s way of adapting The Little Mermaid for the modern media landscape, where younger girls are exposed to more positive messages that teach them independence, consent, and self-love. For the same reasons, “Poor Unfortunate Souls” is also being updated.

Many of The Little Mermaid’s changes have been introduced to create an atmosphere where Ariel has more control over her own life. Rather than simply attempting to break free of the sea to chase a man, Ariel instead has goals and interests to be explored on the surface. It’s a significant change, but it’s also a necessary one in today’s world to show more progressiveness.

Other adjustments to The Little Mermaid have been made to add more content to the movie. It will offer an extra hour of footage in the remake to develop Prince Eric and Ariel. While “Daughters of Triton” may no longer be part of The Little Mermaid, the extra time gives more space for new numbers and more thorough characterization.