The Mysterious World of Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid’
Few animated classics have the staying power and enduring charm of Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Its rich lore, captivating characters, and puzzling mysteries have always left fans debating and theorizing. And now, thanks to the live-action remake, a long-standing theory about the film’s iconic villain, Ursula, just got a lot more intriguing.
From Animated Classic to Live-Action Extravaganza
Helmed by Rob Marshall, the live-action iteration of The Little Mermaid delves deeper into the mesmerizing underwater world, introducing some twists to fit the contemporary audience. We watch Ariel, portrayed by Halle Bailey, navigate her curiosity about the human world and her love for Prince Eric (Jonah Hauer-King). However, the biggest game-changer of this adaptation might be the revelation of Ursula’s (Melissa McCarthy) connection to Ariel, which provides more weight to a theory that has floated around for decades.
Unmasking Vanessa: Is She Ursula’s Original Form?
In the 1989 film, Ursula employs cunning and dark magic to shape-shift into a beguiling human woman named Vanessa, entrancing Prince Eric in the process. However, the theory buzzing in fan circles claims that Vanessa might not be just another disguise. Instead, she could be Ursula’s true form.
Supporters of this theory suggest that Ursula was once a beautiful mermaid but was transformed into a half-human, half-octopus creature after being exiled. Perhaps her transitory appearance as Vanessa is a reflection of her original beauty — a glimpse of who she was before her fall from grace.
Sibling Rivalry: Triton and Ursula’s Complex Relationship
Though the animated film didn’t dive deep into the reason for Ursula’s banishment, spin-offs and extended media hinted at a captivating narrative. The Broadway adaptation revealed Ursula as Triton’s ambitious sister. With both endowed with powerful artifacts — Triton’s trident and Ursula’s magic Nautilus shell — their feud escalated, leading to Ursula’s exile.
Borrowing this plot thread, the live-action remake confirmed Ursula and Triton’s familial ties. Yet, the root cause of their dispute remains shrouded in mystery. The theory that Ursula’s octopus-like appearance was a curse imposed by Triton as a part of her exile gains credibility here. Vanessa’s resemblance to Ariel’s family could be a further testament to this theory, indicating that Ursula was punished by altering her mermaid identity, which she might never fully regain.
The Potential Ursula Spinoff: Unveiling The Enigma
Disney has hinted at expanding the Little Mermaid universe with a series of books and a CGI-animated series for Disney Junior. But the most tantalizing possibility is the proposed Ursula spinoff, which actors Melissa McCarthy and Javier Bardem are championing. This prequel could delve into the history between Ursula and Triton, potentially confirming the true nature of Vanessa’s identity.
As The Little Mermaid continues to make waves in popular culture, one thing is certain: its enchanting storylines and complex characters will keep fans engaged and theorizing for years to come.
