The D23 Expo has finally shed light on the long anticipated live-action The Little Mermaid.

The film, which has been in production for several years now, stars Halle Bailey (Grown-ish) as Ariel. Featuring alongside her is Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric, Melissa McCarthy as Ursala and Jacob Trembly as Flounder.

The footage in the trailer showed a breath taking view of the ocean with shots of Ariel (Bailey) swimming around, as well as featuring the ending of the iconic song, “Part of Your World”.

“I feel like I’m dreaming, and I’m just grateful.” Bailey said in 2019 of landing the role. “And I don’t pay attention to the negativity. I just feel like this role is something bigger than me, and greater, and it’s going to be beautiful. I’m just so excited to be a part of it.”

The Little Mermaid is directed by Rob Marshall who also worked on Mary Poppins Returns and brings on David Magee and Jane Goldman as screenplay writers. The film will feature the original songs from the 1989 classic, but delights fans by bringing back original score composer Alan Menken and Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda as they bring on new tracks for the film.

Marshall discussed feeling songs in film should feel “earned” and not out of place. With this in mind, the team is taking Ariel’s single song from the animated film, and exploring more material.

The Little Mermaid is set to be released on May 26, 2023 in theaters.

Watch the trailer now: