The Little Mermaid: Arielвђ™s Beginning (2008) May 2026

: Voiced by Sally Field , the film’s primary antagonist who seeks Sebastian’s job as the King's attaché.

is a 2008 direct-to-video animated prequel released by Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment. Directed by Peggy Holmes, the film explores the origins of Ariel and the underwater kingdom of Atlantica one year prior to the events of the original 1989 classic. Plot Summary

: Marina Del Rey’s villainous number performed by Sally Field. The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning (2008)

The story opens in a time when Atlantica was filled with joy and music. Following the tragic death of , Ariel’s mother, a grief-stricken King Triton bans all music from the kingdom and enforces a strict, joyless routine for his seven daughters.

: A calypso cover performed by Samuel E. Wright and chorus. : Voiced by Sally Field , the film’s

Ten years later, a rebellious discovers an underground "speakeasy" music club—the Catfish Club —where Sebastian the crab secretly performs. Ariel must navigate the challenges of her father's strict laws and the schemes of the villainous governess Marina Del Rey to restore music and happiness to her home. Voice Cast

Unlike the original film’s score by Alan Menken, the music for Ariel’s Beginning was composed by , with original songs written by Jeanine Tesori . Notable songs include: Plot Summary : Marina Del Rey’s villainous number

: Voiced by Jim Cummings , taking over for Kenneth Mars. Soundtrack and Music