If you can’t wait a couple of years for Disney’s live-action remake of The Little Mermaid, ABC has something exciting in store to tide you over (pun intended).
The US network is set to make waves (eye roll) with its upcoming event titled The Wonderful World Of Disney Presents The Little Mermaid Live!, a special tribute to the 1989 Disney film which will air live on ABC on 5 November.
Instead of being a straight-up retelling of the film the event is set to feature live musical performances, with a cast made up of Auli’i Cravalho (Moana) as Ariel, Queen Latifah (Chicago) as Ursula the sea witch and Grammy winner Shaggy as the voice of Sebastian.
The performances will feature full sets and costumes, with music from both the film and the Tony Award-winning Broadway stage musical. The late Howard Ashman wrote the songs’ lyrics for the film and Glenn Slater for the stage musical, while long-time Disney composer Alan Menken penned the music for both.
The Wonderful World Of Disney Presents The Little Mermaid Live! is being executive produced by Done+Dusted’s Hamish Hamilton, Katy Mullan, David Jammy, Raj Kapoor and Ian Stewart, with Hamilton also serving as the director. Richard Kraft, who produced and directed the acclaimed Hollywood Bowl productions of The Little Mermaid and Beauty And The Beast, will also serve as an executive producer.
The Wonderful World Of Disney Presents The Little Mermaid Live! will air live on 5 November on ABC in the US. Get all the latest fantasy news with every issue of SciFiNow.
