The Little Mermaid has always been for the gays.
Disney’s original 1989 animated musical film (which kicked off the studio’s legendary and critically acclaimed Renaissance era) was based loosely on Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale of the same name. This 1837 tale told the story of a lovestruck mermaid named Ariel who feels like an outsider in her underwater society, causing her to dream of a life with humans in the world above.
The animated film draws forth these queer themes of longing for love and acceptance — and is swimming with LGBTQ+ inspiration. The character of Ursula, one of Disney’s most delicious villains who was originally voiced by the late Pat Carroll, was inspired by drag legend and John Waters muse Divine (Pink Flamingos, Female Trouble, and Hairspray). And the film’s most prominent musical number, “Part of Your World,” is now a queer anthem, which was scored by Alan Menken with lyrics from the late, great gay songwriter Howard Ashman.
Fast-forward to 2023, and Disney, now celebrating starring Halle Bailey, Melissa McCarthy, Jonah Hauer-King, Awkwafina, Daveed Diggs, and Javier Bardem. With a history as rich — and as queer — as ’s, it would only make sense for a director with a deep appreciation for the original animated movie to take the helm. And the studio found that in out filmmaker Rob Marshall.
