The new “The Little Mermaid” is supposed to come into theaters in May of 2023 and a teaser trailer just dropped at the D23 (Disney 1923) expo 2022 during the week of Sept. 8-11. This is a live-action version featuring Halle Bailey as Ariel, Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric and Melissa McCarthy as Ursula. According to the trailer, this new version seems to be exactly like the original, the only change is Ariel’s race. Ariel’s change of race has sparked some backlash as many feel that Ariel, like the original, should be white. However, it is about dang time for a live-action film to star an African American woman as the lead role. Secondly, the film is supposed to take place in the Mediterranean Sea which if you look at the surrounding continents, the habitants are Middle Eastern or Black. This means the film is correct in saying that Ariel is of darker skin. The film is accurate geographically and Disney finally giving a person who is not white nor a man the lead role in the film is extremely important and inspiring. 

The original came out in 1989 and was a huge hit among children. The film was about a mermaid named Ariel who wanted to be part of the human world. This desire increased when she saw a handsome sailor one night. Ariel eventually goes to Ursula, the sea witch, to get her wish, but in payment, Ursula takes Ariel’s voice. Eventually, Ariel learns that dreams do come true even after a lot of hard work and determination. This movie is so influential to every little kid out there because it shows the importance of knowing that dreams do come true even if it seems impossible to get there. 

This is a live-action version featuring Halle Bailey as Ariel, Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric and Melissa McCarthy as Ursula. According to the trailer, this new version seems to be exactly like the original, the only change is Ariel’s race. Ariel’s change of race has sparked some backlash as many feel that Ariel, like the original, should be white. However, it is about dang time for a live-action film to star an African American woman as the lead role. Secondly, the film is supposed to take place in the Mediterranean Sea which if you look at the surrounding continents, the habitants are Middle Eastern or Black. This means the film is correct in saying that Ariel is of darker skin. The film is accurate geographically and Disney finally giving a person who is not white nor a man the lead role in the film is extremely important and inspiring. 

This film looks like it’s going to be so exciting for so many of the little girls and boys out there that were in love with Ariel when they were small but are all grown up now. Young children of color are also thrilled to see a live-action Disney princess that looks like them. It has even been a trend on the social media platform, “Tik Tok”, to show African American children the new trailer and record their reactions. These kids are absolutely shocked by how beautiful the new Little Mermaid is. It’s incredible to see how Disney is expanding and becoming more inclusive. Did anyone else want to be a mermaid when they were little because of this movie?