It's finally official: Hamilton composer Lin-Manuel Miranda will write lyrics for the live-action remake of Disney's The Little Mermaid. The announcement came at the D23 Expo, where Alan Menken, who composed the 1989 animated film's original songs with the late Howard Ashman, told the crowd that he's "writing additional songs with lyrics by Hamilton and Moana songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda." Alan's announcement confirmed Lin-Manuel's role, which has been rumored for the past year, after it was confirmed Lin-Manuel was attached to the project.
[Insert waterlogged screams here.]
Lin-Manuel has often credited The Little Mermaid for starting his interest in musical theater, which led to a Tony-winning career. Just how big of a Mermaid fan is he? Well, his son is named Sebastian, so...
The award-winning playwright and actor is the perfect person to add to the team on this fish-out-of-water (well, make that half-girl-half-fish-out-of-water) story. He previously collaborated on songs for last year's Disney movie musical Moana, and he stars in Disney's upcoming Mary Poppins Returns, alongside Emily Blunt.
No word yet on who our crimson-haired lead might be, although Jodi Benson, who sang for Ariel, will return to her iconic role in Wreck-It Ralph 2. (And Lindsay Lohan is always up for it.)
There's more good news on the way for Disney lovers. Hot off the massive success of Beauty and the Beast, Disney is turning its remake machine up to 11: live-action The Lion King is on its way, and the studio just found leads for its live-action Aladdin. On the Broadway side of things, Hercules (another Alan Menken classic) is finally headed to the stage. And if you just really like movies about mer-people, Disney still has you covered: Don't forget about that Splash remake with Channing Tatum and Jillian Bell.
X content
This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
