The early audience reactions to The Little Mermaid have been shared online and it looks like Disney may have a hit on its hands.
The live-action remake of the 1989 original had its star-studded premiere in Los Angeles on Monday (May 8) after years of anticipation.
The special occasion was joined by singer and actress Halle Bailey who portrays Ariel, Melissa McCarthy as Ursula, Javier Bardem as King Triton, Daveed Diggs as Sebastian, and Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric.
The movie is directed by Rob Marshall and will feature a soundtrack by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Alan Menken - the man who wrote the score for the 1989 original - along with four new original songs.
Watch The Little Mermaid trailer below:While most won't be able to watch the film until May 26, critics were among the early audiences invited and they gave their positive feedback on social media.
Critic Grace Randolph was so impressed with the flick that she praised it as the "best Disney live-action adaptation" and encouraged people to watch it when it comes out in the next couple of weeks.
"#TheLittleMermaid is the best Disney live-action adaptation to date. Halle Bailey IS Ariel. Major props to the sound effects team. Good changes, though one new song with too much autotune. Could watch this version’s Under the Sea all day, it was the highlight of the whole thing," she tweeted.
Writer Zoe Rose Bryant also lauded the 23-year-old's depiction as the inquisitive sea creature and penned on her social media: "The Little Mermaid is a live-action remake that retains the heart and soul of the story we know and love, and it’s elevated even further by a note-perfect star-making performance from Halle Bailey - she was born to be on the big screen, and she’s why this new take is worth watching."
Erik Davis, a contributor to film sites Fandango and Rotten Tomatoes, also applauded the 'Cool People' singer's performance, as well as praising McCarthy and Diggs's characters.
"Halle Bailey pours incredible emotion into Ariel and I got chills watching her, while Melissa McCarthy’s Ursula and Daveed Diggs’ Sebastian steal scenes all day," he wrote.
Lastly, a review page called Atom stated that "Disney magic is back" with the Little Mermaid, adding: "Delightful & emotional... A beautiful coming-of-age adventure with awe-inspiring imagery & action that’ll make you wet. This isn’t just another remake, it’s one of the best family films ever! A fitting end setting up what’s next."
Jodi Benson, who voiced Ariel in the original animated version, was present at the premiere last night and spoke to Entertainment Tonight about her delight with the young singer's take on Ariel.
"[Halle Bailey] doesn’t need any advice from me, she’s brilliant!" she said. After complimenting Bailey’s "purity of heart, vulnerability and bravery" in the role, she added: "I’m so thrilled for her, and I’m so proud of her."
The Little Mermaid will be released in theaters on Friday, May 26.