The Mermaid‘s Priest: Controversy and Captivation in Disney‘s Tale

Disney‘s 1989 animated classic "The Little Mermaid" enchanted audiences young and old with its magical underwater world. However, the film also sparked controversy regarding the anatomy of a certain character that led to significant changes in later versions. As video essayist Territorio Revival explores in "EL CURA DE LA SIRENITA," the mystique around the so-called "mermaid‘s priest" makes this a truly captivating tale.

Decoding the Anatomical Controversy

In one wedding scene early in the film, guests are shown in silhouette sitting in pews watching Ariel marry Prince Eric. Among them is a short, broad-shouldered figure initially referred to by fans as the "mermaid‘s priest." However, upon closer examination, the priest appears to have an erection showing through his robes.

While never confirmed, it has been speculated this was the work of a rebellious Disney animator taking liberties during production. The ensuing controversy led to the removal of the ambiguous figure in later VHS releases and even a full re-animating of the scene in the 2008 Platinum Edition DVD version ([1]).

As video essayist Territorio Revival explains through comparison shots in his analysis, the priest was replaced with a much taller, thinner character. It‘s a stark demonstration of how public pressure likely forced Disney‘s hand in trying to erase this subtle subversive act.

But who exactly was the rumored rebel animator that slipped in this illusion? While their identity remains unknown, some have speculated it may have been Tom Sito ([2]). Sito was later convicted in 2018 for sexual harassment charges against a woman ([3]). This history along with sketch style has led some to theorize he could have been behind the provocative drawing.

Regardless of source, the intention was likely mischievous defiance against Disney’s family brand. Interestingly, there is precedent for hiding erotic imagery in the studio’s films. In one frame of 1999’s The Rescuers, a nude pinup model can be seen in a window, placed by another rogue animation trainee ([4]).

The priest in The Little Mermaid almost feels like an homage to this past moment of illicit rebellion. It also bears similarity to adult jokes and mods hidden in many popular video game franchises like Grand Theft Auto, Elder Scrolls, and others known to have subversive cultures.

TheMUTO Perspective: Unsettling yet Captivating

In examining this controversial detail, the essayist finds the priest character unsettling, going so far as to call the original a "mutant." This language echoes the disturbing humanoid creatures in the Final Fantasy franchise dubbed "MUTOs."

The MUTOs are imposing figures inspired by Japanese mythology, typically disfigured and lacking identity beyond primal violence. Similarly, this illicit illustration shows a faceless priest unnaturally endowed, his identity erased in later versions.

Both mutants prove unsettling through anonymized inhumanity. Yet as Territorio notes, there is also strange compulsion to analyze further. That desire echoes aspects of video game culture – after all, guides documenting every last grotesque monster are hugely popular content.

While the priest is more mundane than a Final Fantasy beast, that seedy mundanity oozes realism. It suggests a living breathing person‘s untold story, perhaps a commentary on religious corruption. There is special intrigue reserved for imagery Rooted in forbidden truth compared to purely fictional beasts.

So for fans and critics with maturity to handle adult themes, the mystery of this mermaid’s priest has captivation paralleling even legendary video game monsters. Piecing together the puzzle boxes of motivations behind unchecked human impulses proves far more chilling than any fictional foe.

The New Song of The Little Mermaid

While this single scene caused quite a stir, Territorio Revival is equally if not more enthused about the musical direction of Disney‘s upcoming live-action remake of The Little Mermaid.

Slated for release in May 2023, this version will feature beloved songs from the animated classic while also introducing new compositions from storied composer Lin-Manuel Miranda of Broadway‘s Hamilton fame. Based on previews of "Part of Your World," the video essayist is incredibly excited for Miranda‘s contributions.

This level of enthusiasm is understandable. Miranda’s soundtrack for Disney’s Moana captivated many with culturally-inspired songs like “We Know The Way.” That film grossed over $690 million globally ([5]), demonstrating Miranda’s impact in enhancing Disney magic through music.

From a gaming perspective, excellent soundtracks also deeply influence player immersion and emotional engagement. Iconic themes shape experiences across franchises from Halo to Elder Scrolls. As Horizon Forbidden West composer Julie Elven discussed in interview, tying character narratives to instrumental motifs makes the music feel like an extension of the world ([6]).

If Miranda can achieve similar emotional resonance, the live action Mermaid songs may rival even the most gripping of gaming soundtracks. Given his pedigree and passion for the project dedicated to his children, the music promises to make this adaptation a nostalgic joy.

Even if another anatomical illustration somehow slipped through cracks in the production, most fans will be too busy harmonizing with memorized lyrics from Miranda’s future Disney standards. With musical magic this powerful, characters could have tentacles and viewers wouldn‘t mind.

Understanding the Allure of Controversial Fairy Tales

On deeper reflection, the paradoxical appeal of The Little Mermaid stems from how various themes interplay for mature interpretation while the packaging of a whimsical fairy tale world and comfort of nostalgia maintain wider accessibility and appeal.

Feminist analysis notes how Ariel‘s origin story centers around patriarchal issues of voice suppression, being silenced by men not accepting her ambition or identity outside of their world ([2]). Women across history and still today face similar struggles in professional spheres skewed to inhibit female participation and autonomy.

Even in the heavily male gaming industry, content creators like Alanah Pearce have candidly shared stories dealing with exclusion and harassment in the workplace ([7]). So feminist analysis revealing Ariel’s plight as symbolic struggles many women still face makes such interpretations deeply compelling.

Queer readings argue for queer themes coded into certain characters relationships and identities, using examples like the crustacean composer Sebastian acting rather flamboyant as evidence of innuendo ([8]).

Comparatively, gaming has extensive history of characters like Birdo from Mario Bros arguably representing transgender identity but lacking explicit confirmation to maintain mass marketability ([9]).

So from Disney films to Nintendo marquee IP, family-friendly franchises play it safe to avoid alienating general audiences. Yet creators also slip in subtle potential nods to LGBTQ diversity knowing niche communities will embrace and read between the lines.

The suppression tale underlying it all harkens back to Greek mythological structures of violence and dominance barely contained in a family-friendly facade ([4]). This is the eternal appeal lying at the heart of most fairy tales – the primal darkness cloaked under a layer of innocence.

In gaming, morality systems centering choice complete this narrative duality between light and dark instincts. Titles like Fable, Dishonored and inXile’s Weird West empower consequences from players directing characters down merciful or violent paths reflecting the two wolves within.

So the allure remains in engaging with deeper themes optionally behind the innocent facade. Perhaps that was even part of the rebellious animator‘s intent – subtly acknowledging mature themes typically suppressed within those innocent worlds.

Video games often do this tension most openly, empowering our choice between darkness and light. Yet fairy tales channel that same primal intrigue through metaphor just below the childish surface… as the occasional symbol of a priest’s anatomical slip leaves evident.

The Box Office Draw of Disney‘s Mermaid Tale

Part of what compels continued remakes and adaptations of The Little Mermaid stems from the original film‘s immense commercial success. With domestic lifetime box office earnings of over $111 million, it was largely credited as signaling the Disney Animation Renaissance ([10]).

Adjusting for inflation, the 1989 film would have earned the equivalent of over $240 million in 2022 dollars ([11]). That positions it within current year’s top five highest grossing animations alongside juggernauts like Minions: The Rise of Gru ([12]).

Culturally it also sparked a new era of Disney fairy tales after an extended commercial slump through the 70s-80s without equivalent smash successes. So the story of Ariel still holds unique nostalgia and significance for generations that grew up enchanted by its magic.

That lasting impact continues fuelling interest for adaptations like the 2023 live action remake. Advance ticket sales and trailer plays already demonstrate passionate anticipation, predicting potential for this version to out-earn the original.

So both financially and culturally, The Little Mermaid possesses a prestige making constant reimagination lucrative for Disney… anatomical scandalizing illustrations and all.

Conclusion: A Tale as Timeless as Gaming Lore

As with legends like Final Fantasy continuously reborn through new graphical engines and gameplay ambition, so too does The Little Mermaid find endless renewal passing its mythos between generations.

The anatomical peculiarity slipped in by an anonymous animator will remain sealed away in animation history vaults, yet also cements the film’s mystique. Territorio Revival’s video essay guides us to read between the lines of this case like decoding video game lore behind a notorious glitch or hidden design choice.

That mature analytical lens lifts Disney’s family friendly fare closer to gaming’s arena of fandom discourse. And now with Broadway maestro Lin-Manuel Miranda brewing up soundtrack sorcery for new audiences, another musical metamorphosis awaits unleashing further discussion.

So while sparked by a minor controversy that was quickly silenced, the legacy of The Little Mermaid perseveres through captivating new incarnations like the upcoming 2023 adaptation. Time will tell what allusions or symbols await piercing subtlety into the remake’s subtext for later examination.

Yet the story’s core appeal remains clear as day – illusion barely contains our dualistic human passions for innocence and intrigue, order and chaos. Ariel gave up her mermaid fins just as gamers daily dive into fantasy realms balancing noble and renegade play-styles.

Perhaps at the end of the day, whether splashing in familiar Disney waters or swimming alternate identities through RPG adventures, we all seek temporary escape from worldly repression. Yet true magic makes the return voyage from fantasy internalizing new growth in defiant identity against life’s status quo.

In that sense, The Little Mermaid’s mythology will continue captivating fans young and old for generations ad infinitum. For her story is one destined to be retold forevermore, whatever form the mermaid’s priest assumes along the way.