“I want the little girl in me and the girls like me who are watching this movie to know that they are special and that they should be princesses in all respects.”. Halle Bailey, actress, and singer who will play Ariel in the following Disney live-action, said during a press conference. And to look at the reactions unleashed on social networks at the sight of the first black Little Mermaid, it is easy to understand that the desire of the 22-year-old has probably already been fulfilled.
In a recent interview with Variety, the artist spoke of his special connection with the role, stating that he loved the original animated film as a child and pretended to be Ariel every time he went swimming. The very young star also commented on the importance of her casting, which sparked a broad reaction on social media when it was announced for the first time.
On Twitter, for example, the fans of the Little Mermaid split between those who do not appreciate the choice of Disney and those who have been enchanted by it. The controversy around the choice of the protagonist had already begun, but after the release of the teaser trailer, it became louder. The fact that a dark-skinned actress plays the protagonist is argumentative. “Books and cartoons are loved both for their history and because we become attached to that particular aspect that becomes identifying. Changing the plot and/or canonical physicality does not bring due respect to both the character and the fans and those who resemble him in reality, “writes someone on Twitter. “The decision to give her the part was the result of a long research,” replied Rob Marshall, the film’s director. Celebrities such as Mariah Carey and Halle Berry have moved in defense of Halle Bailey.
The release of the film is scheduled for May 24, 2023. The two-minute trailer was previewed last week at the annual D23 Expo fair. Ariel is partly shot in Sardinia, precisely in Gallura.
