The Little Mermaid is a fairy tale written by Hans Christian Andersen and first published in 1837. The original story is set in the 13th century. However, the 1989 Disney animated musical fantasy film, which is loosely based on the original tale, does not specify a specific year or time period. According to a blog post, the upcoming live-action remake of The Little Mermaid drops hints that it is set in the Caribbean in the 18th century. The architecture, costumes, dances, street markets, and ships in the film suggest this time period. However, it is important to note that the setting of the film is a fictional underwater kingdom of Atlantica, and the world above water does not appear to be a wholly fictional realm.