Is Ursula Related to Triton in the Little Mermaid? Who are Ursula and Triton?

The Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid (2024) is a live-action adaptation of Disney’s iconic 1989 animated film, drawing inspiration from Hans Christian Andersen’s timeless fairy tale. Directed by Rob Marshall and penned by David Magee, the movie stars Halle Bailey as Ariel, a curious mermaid longing for life on land.

Ariel’s fateful encounter with the cunning sea witch Ursula, portrayed by Melissa McCarthy, sets in motion a captivating tale of love and self-discovery. Jonah Hauer-King takes on the role of Prince Eric, and a talented ensemble cast brings the story to life, including Daveed Diggs, Awkwafina, Jacob Tremblay, Noma Dumezweni, Art Malik, and Javier Bardem.

The film masterfully combines elements from the original while introducing new songs and depth to the storyline, with composer Alan Menken returning to compose the score alongside Lin-Manuel Miranda. Premiering in Los Angeles in May 2024 and released in the United States in late May, the film garnered praise for its performances and musical sequences.

However, some critics had reservations about the visual effects and character designs. Despite this, The Little Mermaid has made a significant splash at the box office, grossing over $569 million globally, solidifying its position as a successful addition to Disney’s live-action remake repertoire.

Is Ursula Related to Triton in the Little Mermaid?

Yes, in Disney’s The Little Mermaid franchise, Ursula is indeed related to King Triton, who is Ariel’s father. However, the specific nature of their relationship varies depending on the adaptation. In the original 1989 animated film, Ursula is portrayed as a sea witch who seeks to overthrow King Triton and take control of the underwater kingdom of Atlantica. While they share a familial connection, the film does not delve into the details of their relationship beyond this rivalry.

In the 2016 young adult novel “Poor Unfortunate Soul: A Tale of the Sea Witch” by Serena Valentino, Ursula’s relationship with Triton is explored in more depth. In this novel, Ursula is depicted as King Triton’s younger sister, who was betrayed by him as a child for choosing a tentacled form over a mermaid’s tail.

She grew up as a human in the town of Ipswich and was later banished to the shadows after being denied her inheritance by Triton. This interpretation adds a complex family dynamic to their relationship, with Ursula seeking revenge against her brother for the way she was treated.

While Ursula and Triton are related in various adaptations of The Little Mermaid, the specifics of their relationship can vary, from being rivals in the animated film to having a more intricate backstory as siblings in the novel “Poor Unfortunate Soul.”

Ursula

Ursula is a fictional character who serves as the main antagonist in Walt Disney Pictures’ 1989 animated feature film, “The Little Mermaid.” Voiced by American actress Pat Carroll, Ursula is a memorable and iconic Disney villain. She is a cecaelian sea witch with a powerful and nefarious personality.

In the film, Ursula offers a mermaid princess named Ariel a seemingly irresistible deal: the chance to become human for a limited time in exchange for Ariel’s voice. Ursula claims that this transformation will allow Ariel to pursue the love of Prince Eric, but her true intentions are sinister.

Ursula’s real goal is to sabotage Ariel’s chances of winning Eric’s heart so that she can ultimately take control of King Triton’s position as the ruler of the oceans. Her character is based on the sea witch from Hans Christian Andersen’s 1837 fairy tale “The Little Mermaid,” but in the Disney adaptation, she takes on a much more prominent and villainous role.

Ursula’s character design was inspired by various sea creatures, including manta rays and scorpion fish, before settling on an octopus-like appearance. Her unique and visually striking appearance, along with her powerful and manipulative personality, has made her one of Disney’s most memorable and beloved villains.

In Disney’s live-action adaptation The Little Mermaid (2024) Ursula is portrayed by Melissa McCarthy.

King Triton

King Triton is a prominent character in Disney’s The Little Mermaid franchise. He is the benevolent ruler of Atlantica, a fictional underwater kingdom, and plays a central role in the lives of his daughters, particularly Ariel, the film’s protagonist. King Triton is known for his distinctive appearance, including white hair, beard, and mustache. He wields a powerful trident that serves as the source of his immense magical abilities.

In the original 1989 animated film, King Triton is depicted as a protective and overbearing father who initially disapproves of Ariel’s fascination with the human world. This strained relationship leads to conflicts between them, culminating in Triton’s destructive act of destroying Ariel’s cherished grotto.

However, as the story progresses and Triton learns the depth of Ariel’s love for Prince Eric, he undergoes a transformation. He ultimately uses his trident to transform Ariel into a human, sacrificing his own desires for her happiness. King Triton’s character also appears in the film’s sequels and spin-offs, including the TV series and video games. His character evolves as he grapples with fatherhood and his responsibilities as the ruler of Atlantica.

Throughout various adaptations and media, King Triton remains a beloved and iconic Disney character, known for his complex personality and the profound love he has for his family, particularly his daughter Ariel. His role in the franchise showcases themes of love, sacrifice, and the importance of understanding and accepting one another’s choices and dreams.

In Disney’s live-action adaptation The Little Mermaid (2024) King Triton is portrayed by Javier Bardem.

The Little Mermaid Cast List

Here is a tabular column summarising the main cast of The Little Mermaid (2024) and their respective characters:

Where to Watch The Little Mermaid?

The Little Mermaid, Disney’s enchanting live-action adaptation of the beloved 1989 animated classic, is now available for streaming on Disney+. Directed by Rob Marshall and featuring a talented cast led by Halle Bailey as Ariel, the film brings the underwater world to life with stunning visuals and memorable musical numbers.

Audiences can immerse themselves in Ariel’s journey of self-discovery, romance, and adventure as she longs to explore the human world. With its captivating storytelling, new songs, and a fresh take on a timeless tale, The Little Mermaid is a delightful addition to Disney’s streaming library, offering magical entertainment for viewers of all ages.

The Little Mermaid Trailer

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