On the significance of casting a Black actress as Ariel This is because people of color are less likely to see themselves reflected in the media. They are one of the underrepresented groups in Hollywood.

What race is Ariel supposed to be?

The movie is loosely based on the fairy tale, so Disney has the freedom to give Ariel any skin color they want. In the 1989 movie, Ariel was born in the fictional underwater kingdom of Atlantica, which technically makes her Atlantican, not Danish.

Was Ariel Black originally?

Why did Disney make Ariel black if she is white in the original film? In the original danish fairytale the little mermaid was explicitly specified as white several times.

Will Ariel be black in Disney parks?

Bailey, a Black actress, takes on the role of the singing mermaid made famous by Jodi Benson. Benson voiced and provided the vocals for Ariel in the animated classic, where Ariel was depicted as a white mermaid.

When did Disney announce Black Ariel?

Controversies. After the announcement of Bailey's involvement in July 2019 and the release of first teaser in September 2022, the film gained mixed responses from the public for casting an African-American actress as Ariel, who was originally Caucasian with red hair in the 1989 animated film.

Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid’ Trailer Sparks Racist Remarks

Why are they making Ariel black?

This version of The Little Mermaid is great for young people because it allows them to better appreciate diversity and gain a better sense of the world. Diversity and inclusion in film and TV can attract a larger audience and is seen as more authentic and enjoyable.

How much did Halle Bailey get paid for The Little Mermaid?

According to Showbiz Galore, she was reportedly paid $1.5 million to don the tail and seashells, though some news outlets reported slightly more modest earnings of $500,000. Despite the online backlash about casting a Black Ariel, this project made Halle Bailey a household name, especially among young Disney fans.

Is Disney making a new black princess?

Meet Asha. She is a new Afro Latina Disney Princess. that was announced at D 23. She will be the lead in the new Disney film wish.

Is there a black Disney prince?

There's been Aladdin for Middle Eastern representation, or even Li Shang for Asian representation, and he's not a Disney prince, but we still consider him. But there's never been a black Disney prince.

What color skin does Ariel have?

Ariel is a beautiful adolescent mermaid with an hourglass figure, fair skin, red lips, red hair, and large, aqua-blue eyes.

Could a mermaid be black?

Yes, mermaids are mythological creatures, but their African origins are real according to Jalondra Davis, an assistant professor of English at the University of California, Riverside. And some mermaids are Black.

Why is Prince Eric's mom black?

There are several instances when Eric's mother Queen Salina (Noma Dumezweni), who is Black and adopted him as a child when he washed up from the ocean, chastises him for his obvious love for beings that are considered other.

Will snow white be black?

In the new, 2024 Disney adaptation of the classic fairy tale, Snow White will be played by Latina actress Rachel Zegler despite her name and the former popular depictions of the princess.

What race is Moana?

Moana as she appears in Moana (2016). Inspired by Polynesian mythology, Moana is depicted as the strong-willed daughter of a chief of a Polynesian village, who is chosen by the ocean itself to reunite a mystical relic with the goddess Te Fiti.

Why are Ariel's sisters different ethnicities?

So, why the change? One theory is that each of Ariel's sisters represents different oceans that are home to various cultures and ethnicities. It's pretty problematic to have mermaids who all look the same representing such an expansive underwater world.

Which princess are black?

There are 13 official Disney princesses and six are women of color. Only one (Princess Tiana) is Black. “The Princess and The Frog” inspired actor Halle Bailey to play Arielle in last year's live-action remake of “The Little Mermaid,” she said. “Black princesses are possible.

Is there an African Disney Princess?

This will be the first Disney feature that is led by an African princess. Although Tiana from The Princess and the Frog and Asha from Wish are also of African descent, they weren't born royals and thus does not count.

What Disney characters are black now?

Is Ariel black or white?

Since the animated feature film had a white mermaid as Ariel, some people are angry that Disney has gone with a black actress in the live-action. Some people also believe that Hans Christian Andersen described the Little mermaid as a white mermaid in his book. Therefore, Disney should have cast a white actress instead.

What ethnicity is Jasmine?

While some claim Jasmine is Arab because the movie opens with a song called Arabian Nights, others believe that the architecture in Agrabah is clearly based on the Taj Mahal, making Jasmine Indian. It's a debate that has fueled speculation that in Hollywood, Indians and Arabs are interchangeable.

How much did Melissa McCarthy get paid for The Little Mermaid?

Melissa McCarthy, who played the devious Ursula in the live-action, made $500,000 for her work in the film.

Who is Halle Bailey's husband?

Bailey resides in North Hollywood, Los Angeles with her sister. She and her sister are both vegans. Bailey has been in a relationship with DDG, a YouTuber and American rapper, since December 2021 and appears in his videos on occasion. On January 6, 2024, Bailey announced the birth of the couple's firstborn son.