The Seven Stars Of Atlantica: A Deep Dive Into The Little Mermaid 2023 Film Cast

The live-action adaptation of Disney's classic, The Little Mermaid (2023), has captivated audiences globally, not only for its stunning visuals but for its groundbreaking and talented ensemble cast. As of December 18, 2025, the film remains a massive topic of discussion, with fans eager to know more about the actors who brought the beloved characters of Atlantica and the human world to life. This deep dive explores the full roster of stars, from the lead mermaid princess to the villainous sea witch and the creative legends who crafted the new musical elements.

The 2023 remake, directed by the visionary Rob Marshall, took on the monumental task of reinterpreting the 1989 animated masterpiece. It introduced a fresh perspective, new music, and a cast whose chemistry and vocal prowess breathed new life into the timeless story of Ariel, the curious mermaid who longs to explore the world above the sea. The selection of Halle Bailey for the titular role became one of the most talked-about casting decisions in recent Disney history, setting the stage for a film focused on diversity and modern storytelling.

Halle Bailey: The New Voice of Ariel and Her Complete Biography

The core of the 2023 film’s success rests on the shoulders of its lead, Halle Bailey, whose casting as Ariel was met with both widespread excitement and intense public debate, ultimately proving to be an inspired choice that redefined the Disney Princess archetype. Her vocal performance of the iconic song "Part of Your World" was a particular highlight, showcasing her incredible range and emotional depth.

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Halle Bailey Profile:

• Full Name: Halle Lynn Bailey
• Born: March 27, 2000
• Birthplace: Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
• Occupation: Singer-songwriter, Actress
• Musical Career: Best known as one half of the R&B duo Chloe x Halle, alongside her sister Chloe Bailey. The duo was famously discovered by Beyoncé and signed to her Parkwood Entertainment label.
• Major Roles Before Ariel: Skylar Forster in the television series Grown-ish.
• Ariel Role Significance: Bailey is the first Black actress to portray Ariel in a live-action Disney feature film, making a profound impact on representation in modern cinema.

Bailey’s background as a professionally trained singer was crucial, allowing her to deliver a powerful, soaring rendition of the classic Alan Menken and Howard Ashman songs. Director Rob Marshall praised her ability to capture both the innocence and the fierce spirit of the rebellious mermaid princess. Her take on "Part of Your World (Reprise)" was noted for being taken up an octave, a testament to her extraordinary vocal talent.

The Star-Studded Ensemble: From Sea Witch to Prince

The supporting cast of The Little Mermaid 2023 is a powerhouse of Oscar-winners, veteran actors, and rising stars, ensuring that the human and underwater kingdoms are populated by memorable and dynamic characters. The chemistry between the main actors was essential to the film's narrative success, particularly the central conflict between Ariel and the sea witch, Ursula.

Melissa McCarthy as Ursula

Comedy icon Melissa McCarthy took on the challenging role of the villainous sea witch Ursula. Her portrayal was a blend of the character's original theatricality and a new, more grounded conniving nature. McCarthy described taking on the role as a "fever dream," having been a lifelong fan of the original animated film.

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• Role Details: Ursula is King Triton's estranged sister, a sea monster who tricks Ariel into trading her voice for human legs.
• Performance Highlight: Her rendition of the classic villain song "Poor Unfortunate Souls" was a highly anticipated moment, showcasing a darker, more dramatic side to the beloved comedic actress.

Javier Bardem as King Triton

Academy Award-winner Javier Bardem brought a regal, yet emotionally complex presence to King Triton, the protective and often stern ruler of Atlantica and father to Ariel. Bardem’s performance focused on the deep love and fear that drives Triton's conflict with his youngest daughter, making his character arc more sympathetic.

Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric

British actor Jonah Hauer-King was cast as Prince Eric, Ariel’s love interest. Hauer-King’s performance was pivotal in expanding the Prince Eric character beyond the animated film's less-developed role. The live-action version gave Eric a richer backstory, a passion for exploration, and a new song to express his own longing for adventure.

The Voice Cast and Creative Team: New Songs and Modern Updates

A significant part of the 2023 film’s identity is the updated soundtrack and the creative team that modernized the classic tale. The use of CGI for the animal sidekicks required a stellar voice cast to inject personality into the digital characters, a task handled by three phenomenal performers.

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The Iconic Companions

• Daveed Diggs as Sebastian: The Tony Award-winning star of Hamilton provided the voice for the nervous but loyal crab, Sebastian. Diggs brought a fresh, quick-witted energy to the character, particularly during his performance of the Academy Award-winning song "Under the Sea."
• Awkwafina as Scuttle: The comedian and actress Awkwafina voiced the eccentric diving bird, Scuttle. Her character was notably changed from a male seagull to a female Northern gannet to facilitate underwater scenes, adding an element of contemporary humor and her signature rapid-fire delivery.
• Jacob Tremblay as Flounder: The young actor, known for his dramatic roles, voiced the timid and sweet tropical fish, Flounder, Ariel's best friend.

The New Music and Lyrical Changes

To ensure the film resonated with a modern audience, Disney brought on Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda to collaborate with original composer Alan Menken. Together, they wrote three new original songs to complement the beloved classics.

The new songs were created to give more depth to the characters and their internal monologues:

• "For the First Time": A new song for Ariel, performed after she gets her human legs, expressing her overwhelming excitement and confusion about the human world.
• "Wild Uncharted Waters": A new solo song for Prince Eric, which allows the audience to connect with his own sense of longing and adventure, mirroring Ariel's journey.
• "Scuttlebutt": A fast-paced, comedic number featuring Awkwafina (Scuttle) and Daveed Diggs (Sebastian), which quickly became a fan-favorite for its unique style.

Furthermore, Menken and Miranda made minor lyrical changes to some classic songs, such as "Kiss the Girl," to remove phrases that could be interpreted as non-consensual, reflecting a more modern sensitivity and intentionality in the storytelling.

The Seven Princesses of Atlantica and Other Key Entities

The 2023 live-action remake also provided a detailed look at King Triton’s other six daughters, Ariel’s sisters, who represent the seven seas. This expanded supporting cast added a layer of topical authority and depth to the underwater kingdom of Atlantica. The actresses chosen brought a diverse, international feel to the mermaid family:

• Perla: Lorena Andrea
• Indira: Simone Ashley
• Karina: Kajsa Mohammar
• Mala: Sienna King
• Tamika: Nathalie Sorrell
• Tameka: Kasia Chambers

The film’s creative success is also indebted to the team behind the scenes: Director Rob Marshall (known for Chicago and Mary Poppins Returns), Screenwriter David Magee, and the legendary composer Alan Menken, whose original score remains the heart of the film. The combination of these talents ensured that the 2023 adaptation was a fresh, unique, and powerful cinematic experience that honors the original while establishing its own legacy.