Little Mermaid’s Halle Bailey praises ending change

The Little Mermaid spoilers follow.

The Little Mermaid star Halle Bailey has praised the new live-action movie’s slight ending change from the original 1989 animation.

In the new version, King Triton (Javier Bardem) reconciles with Ariel (Bailey) and her autonomy, and even offers an apology, saying she has the right to be heard and seen.

Speaking to Deadline about the more empowering twist, the actress said: “That ending is really a great version, and it shows her strength and power throughout the film.

Related: The Little Mermaid– never gave up her voice for a man and the remake (im)proves it

“You’re seeing Ariel transform in front of your eyes, where at the beginning she’s a little bit shy and timid and frustrated because the beautiful things she’s voicing about herself and her future and her wants and needs aren’t being heard.

“And so, for her to go out of her way to burst through to the world that she doesn’t know, and for her to be brave enough to do so and come out on top the way she did, and fighting for love and friendship and family at the heart of the film is just, it’s so cool to see.”

The actress also explained that “moments like the ending were really impactful” to her, and that she was “happy to see that transformation in Ariel”.

Related: Does The Little Mermaid have a post-credit scene?

Bardem explained that his own experience of being a father impacted how he portrayed Triton at the movie’s conclusion, the star saying: “As parents, father and mother, we want to protect [our children]. We want to make sure that they are not suffering and that they don’t suffer.

“But life is about joy and pain, all the gray areas and the ups and downs. Those are the things that you cannot avoid. And you have to be there for them, but also let them go and have their own journey. He realizes that, and it is not easy. I know.”

The Little Mermaid live-action movie is out now in the UK and the US. The animated movie is streaming on Disney+.

Watch The Little Mermaid (1989) on Disney+

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Sam is a freelance reporter and sub-editor who has a particular interest in movies, TV and music. After completing a journalism Masters at City University, London, Sam joined Digital Spy as a reporter, and has also freelanced for publications such as NME and Screen International.  Sam, who also has a degree in Film, can wax lyrical about everything from Lord of the Rings to Love Is Blind, and is equally in his element crossing every ‘t’ and dotting every ‘i’ as a sub-editor.