Little Mermaid Cover

Disney's Little Mermaid: Controversy and Easter Eggs

Cover Art Controversy

Disney's 1989 home video release of The Little Mermaid sparked controversy due to its suggestive imagery on the VHS cover. A phallus was deliberately drawn into the background by a disgruntled animator as a practical joke. This incident caused a stir among parents and critics, leading to the recall of the cover.

Easter Eggs

Despite the controversy, The Little Mermaid is also known for its hidden Easter eggs. Here are some of the most notable:

Ariel's Cameo

In the film's opening scene, a statue of Ariel can be seen briefly on the shelf of King Triton's throne room.

Ursula's Ship

The skeletal structure of Ursula's ship resembles the Medusa from Greek mythology, with its snake-like tentacles and skulls.

Mulan and Stitch

When Ariel visits Prince Eric's castle, she passes by tapestries depicting Mulan and Stitch, foreshadowing Disney's future releases.

Hidden Mickey

A hidden Mickey Mouse can be found in the bubbles created by Flounder during the "Under the Sea" song.

Live-Action Adaptation

In May 2023, Disney released a live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid, starring Halle Bailey as Ariel. The film received mixed reviews but grossed over $1 billion worldwide.

Critical Reception

Critics praised the film's visuals, performances, and updated musical score. However, some expressed concerns about the changes made to the original story and the lack of creative depth.

Box Office Success

Despite the mixed reviews, The Little Mermaid (2023) became a box office success, grossing over $1 billion worldwide. This makes it one of the highest-grossing live-action remakes of a Disney animated film.