Triton’s Heartbreaking Line in The Little Mermaid Gets a Polished Update
There’s no denying that The Little Mermaid is one of Disney’s most beloved animated classics. The 1989 version left an indelible mark on not just the young audiences watching it, but also on their parents. Triton’s line, “I guess there’s just one problem left — how much I’m going to miss her,” still resonates all these years later.
When the 2023 live-action remake was announced, fans were excited and also a little worried. Would they preserve the original’s emotional core and grittiness, or would they soften it up for modern audiences? With the new film, screenwriter David Magee and director Rob Marshall were conscious of keeping Triton’s powerful line, albeit with a slight twist.
In this adaptation, Ariel still chooses to pursue her dreams on land, leaving behind her undersea life and her heartbroken father. However, instead of a painful goodbye, the movie offers a more hopeful ending. Ariel still marries Eric, but they embark on a long journey, exploring the world together.
Triton and the other merpeople still make an appearance, but this time as a promise. As Ariel and Eric prepare to leave, Triton emerges from the water and assures Ariel that they’ll always be there for her. It’s a small reassurance, but it changes the ending substantially. Ariel can still visit her family and home underwater, knowing that she’ll be welcomed back with open arms.
The new Live-Action Remake: Acknowledging Triton’s Growth
In the original The Little Mermaid, Triton has to let his daughter go to keep her safe, but in doing so, he’s left heartbroken. It’s a storyline that many parents can relate to. The live-action remake acknowledges Triton’s growth and shows his character learning an important lesson: that sometimes, in order to see our children happy, we have to let them explore the world on their own.
While the ending of the original movie was deeply bittersweet, the new version delivers a more upbeat and hopeful outlook. Ariel is no longer forced to choose between her world on land and her undersea family. Instead, she’s now able to embrace both lives and truly have the best of both worlds.
For fans of the animated original, this new version of The Little Mermaid promises not to disappoint. The new adaptation honors the original while adding its own twists and turns. So, if you’re ready to explore the uncharted waters of this new film, make sure you keep an eye out for its release!