The New Hans Christian Andersen ‘The Little Mermaid’ Trailer is Weird and Fearsome

The New Hans Christian Andersen ‘The Little Mermaid’ Trailer is Weird and Fearsome
A much different 'Little Mermaid' movie trailer has arrived. (Image via Conglomerate Media and Kingsway Productions)

Someone made a live action Hans Christian Andersen “Little Mermaid” movie. It bypasses the famous 1989 Disney animated movie and takes its adaption directly from Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen’s 1837 folk tale, but adds interpretations of its own.

The trailer has gotten mixed reactions due to the everlasting popularity of Disney’s version. The lighting is dreary and the story does not appear as varied and lively as the 1989 film, but the title alone is sure to draw audiences at least out of curiosity, and at least drive hardcore fans to analyze the differences and inspirations between the two films. And nerdy types will seek out the original fairy tale.

Before fans of the Disney “The Little Mermaid” become exasperated, Disney also has plans to bring out its own live action take. It’s just that they were beaten to the punch by independent producers Armando Gutierrez and Robert Molloy in a smashing business move opening gambit. Despite the small scale production, there are some decent acting names attached to this Hans Christian Andersen reimagining.

Deadline gave a rundown on the cast and their best known projects.

“Shirley MacLaine, Downton Abbey‘s Poppy Drayton, William Moseley (The Chronicles of Narnia), Loreto Peralta (Instructions Not Included) and Gina Gershon (Empire).”

That’s an indication that this indie flick brought in some relatively okay funding, so audiences should be seeing the movie in a sizable amount of theaters. In taking a name popularized by Disney, the producers likely knew what they were up against, and hopefully have some surprises in store for movie fans who have already started to doubt this Hans Christian Andersen “Little Mermaid” revamp. It at least acts as a warm up movie to the Disney one.

To make things more confusing, there will be a resurgence of mermaid movies. Universal has one planned, and there is already a scary version of the story set in Poland out in some places. By the time Disney’s version arrives, will there be any room left in the sea?

Not just “The Little Mermaid,” but Disney is planning a slew of live action remakes of its beloved animated films. They are digging deep into their catalog and even bringing movies like “Winnie the Pooh,” “Aladdin,” and “Dumbo” back to live action life. Those are just some of many. Just when you thought you grew tired of movie remakes and reimaginings taking over cinema screens over the past few years, here comes dozens more! Original ideas are hard to push through, market, and get studio acceptance for. That is why this indie film Hans Christian Andersen “Little Mermaid” movie is so brilliant. It takes the same familiar concept and gives you a completely different movie.

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