Thursday, May 25, 2023

Shut it, naysayers, Halle Bailey’s Ariel balances nostalgia and innovation in ‘The Little Mermaid’ perfectly

Despite all the creative and social challenges of reimagining a beloved classic for a new generation, Disney has found a happy medium to ace The Little Mermaid‘s live-action remake so far. Although directors have exercised their creative liberty and have made a lot of changes, Halley Bailey‘s casting as Ariel sparked debates and surprised Disney fans the most. Simultaneously, it was also applauded as a commendable step towards inclusivity and diverse representation in modern storytelling. Disney has taken a huge stride towards revolutionizing contemporary narratives with The Little Mermaid by successfully balancing nostalgia and creativity. While staying loyal to the original’s magic, Disney has breathed new life into the timeless love story of an ethereal mermaid and a charming prince.

Halle Bailey’s representation of Ariel is a power move towards inclusivity and empowerment

Halle Bailey as Ariel in 'The Little Mermaid'
Screengrab via Disney

Disney’s other live-action remakes like Mulan and Aladdin have embraced stories that speak to viewers all across the world while celebrating ethnic diversity. While the stepping-away of Ariel from her traditionally white ethnicity raised questions about the authenticity of the remake, fans have praised the reimagining as progressive and inclusive. Videos of many Black girls surfaced online after the release of The Little Mermaid’s trailer, showing how little girls resonated with Ariel’s character and felt happy to see a Disney princess who looks like them. This diverse representation isn’t just empty “political correctness” or “wokism”; it’s absolutely crucial, because it fosters a sense of belonging and encourages young children to accept their identities. Halle Bailey reinforced her aim to help children embrace themselves while speaking to Reuters at the premiere of the film in Los Angeles on May 8,



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