The Little Mermaid (2023)

There are many people who have shown dislike after the release of the teaser trailer for the new live-action “The Little Mermaid” movie that is set to come out next year. There are also many others that believe the only problem those people have with the trailer is the skin color of the main character. From what I have seen and read, that is not the issue at all.

I have not found anyone who is actually upset about an African American mermaid. Halle Bailey is a beautiful woman with a voice to match and she makes a magical mermaid. But she is not what many had hoped for in a live-action Ariel. Based off of the original, widely adored animated movie, many people were looking forward to the brightly red-headed, pale skinned character. Not to mention, no matter how wonderful a singer an actress is, there is still only one Jodi Benson. If Disney had created a whole new main character, gave her her own story, her own unique features, there would be no question of this actress being perfect for the role. There are many people who feel that other races (other than just Caucasians) deserve their own representation, their own princesses, but also feel that Disney has cheated them out of the originality they deserve by lazily piggy backing off an already loved character and just changing the color of her skin.

Yes, The Little Mermaid is a fictional story with fictional characters. Mermaids (and princesses) can potentially be of any and every race or origin imaginable, or of none at all if they choose to make it that way. But, as with most Disney classics, the original movie was so loved and so cherished, many children watched the movie on repeat and have every last detail remembered even as an adult. To them it wasn’t about fiction or fantasy; that was the story and that was how it was supposed to be. In the TV series that was released, it was never a problem that they introduced a different mermaid with a different skin tone who also happened to be deaf; she became a much loved character as well, because she was a friend of Ariel, not trying to be Ariel. She had her own character, her own unique features, her own story to tell, and so many loved that about her.

There have also been complaints about the teaser trailer in reference to the video quality itself. When compared to the animated movie from 1989, the teaser trailer appears dull and dark with fewer bright colors. Some argue that it was done intentionally to provide more realism to the film, while others advise that it is only a teaser and the movie itself will be much brighter. The same argument of realism has been used to explain the faded red color of the new Ariel’s hair deep under the sea. Whatever the reason, the graphics have many viewers concerned for the movie. After all, it is a fictional story that is already being made live action, so why try to bring reality into it?

On another note, there are also people who have just been generally displeased by the previous live-action remakes of classic Disney films and worry for the same disappointment out of this remake. All of the previous Disney Princess live-action remakes received mixed reviews where some loved them and some were very disappointed. Some even had a problem with the casting choices for those princesses, but were able to openly express their concerns without it instantly becoming a race issue. Some people have mentioned that no matter which classic it is, all live-action seem to lose some of their magic that the animated versions had. Many were disappointed by the Mulan remake due to the lack of the adored Mushu.

Despite the uproar that has occurred over race after the teaser trailer’s release, and despite any concerns about the film that viewers may have, there are still so many people that are looking forward to the full movie release and who are willing to give it a chance. Personally, I have felt uneasy about every live-action remake that has been made so far, but I always make myself give them a chance, try not to compare them too much to their animated originals, and have found something to enjoy from each of them. I am sure that Halle Bailey will do her best to bring as much love and magic to the movie as she can, and will provide an amazing performance. Who knows, maybe she grew up watching the Disney classics and has just as much care for them.

Just remember, everyone is entitled to their own opinions and we should never assume the reasons behind those opinions. I for one look forward to more diverse and inclusive (original) movies to be made in the future.

**I have been very on the fence about writing this due to the delicate nature as I typically prefer to avoid any possible conflict, but I can’t stand seeing something so amazing become a target for chaos and such ugly attitudes. Overall, this movie is bringing back some of our childhood while reaching out to a wider variety of viewers. Not everyone is going to like it and not all for the same reason. While we do not have to agree with each other, we should respect everyone’s right to their own opinion. STOP using this movie as an excuse to lash out at people!**