Jacob Tremblay, star of The Little Mermaid, is overjoyed with how Flounder appears in the upcoming live-action adaptation of the Disney classic, stating that it’matches everything’ he was shown in the audition.
This follows a popular outrage over the new ultra-realistic appearance of Ariel’s beloved sidekick, as well as musical master crab Sebastian (voiced by Daveed Diggs).
In the original 1989 cartoon, Flounder is circular with brilliant blue and yellow colours, however in 2023, he is mostly silver with black stripes and a hint of yellow down his spine.
He is also lot slimmer, and several admirers have complained about his ‘skinny’ look.
Tremblay, 16, who plays the guppie, maintained things ‘worked out well’ during the international premiere on Monday night.
‘I was shown the design when I went in for the audition and I saw the movie last night and I have to say that I think it really, really worked.’
‘I think that they were geniuses and they knew exactly what they were doing,’ he said of the animation team.
The Room star added to People magazine: ‘And I think it works out perfectly. I think it matches everything. So if it was different, I don’t think it would really work.’
So far, glimpses of the revamped Flounder in the teaser and on a character poster have split fans.
‘Maybe I’m being out of line here, but I was expecting The Little Mermaid characters to be idk… CUTE,’ one person complained.
‘Live action animation doesn’t have to be expressionless. At least give our boy Flounder his chubby cheeks back!!!!!’
Another added: ‘I had a Flounder plush that I loved to death and so seeing this thing is like seeing a monster wearing the skin of an old friend.’
Others, on the other hand, defended the new Flounder.
‘I agree that the design is not ideal, but what were we expecting? It’s a live-action “#LittleMermaid” it’s going to be a live-action fish!’ pointed out one fan.
‘Personally, I’m LOVING the fish realism… contrary to the internet,’ joked another.
The red carpet reunion of leading lady Halle Bailey, 23, and original voice actor Jodi Benson, 61, at Monday’s premiere also delighted Disney fans.
Fans were thrilled to see them together, and Tony nominee Jodi raved about Halle’s performance to reporters.
‘She doesn’t need any advice from me, she’s brilliant! I did get to meet her a few time and chat with her and just to tell her how proud I was of her,’ she told Entertainment Tonight.
‘But I love that she has a purity of heart and a pure spirit and you can see that vulnerability and that childlike [quality] and that bravery and courage coming through, and it’s beautiful.’
‘I’m so thrilled for her and I’m so proud of her,’ she added.
The Little Mermaid swims into cinemas on May 26.
