As we know, The Little Mermaid Live Action will be premiering on the 26th of May. So naturally, those who are Disney lovers are ecstatic about this movie coming out, especially the African American population of the world. Still, some people do not feel the same way.

Halle Bailey and Melissa McCarthy debuted the live-action The Little Mermaid clip after the Oscars for Best Documentary Feature and Live-Action Short were given out. While many moviegoers were eager to watch and praise the teaser, others were not pleased. Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, who make movies, were dissatisfied spectators. Their say that it undermines the integrity of the Oscars is genuinely upsetting and disheartening to hear.

In my opinion, the reason why a lot of people are upset about this movie airing is because the mermaid is African American. Since the little mermaid has always been white, most people expect a white person to play in the live-action movie, but that is not the case. Halle Bailey is playing the role of the little mermaid this time around. I believe the reason behind so many people not liking the trailer or the movie is because of her skin color.

They might see this movie as dirty and a disgrace to filmmaking because the mermaid is portrayed as a black woman and not a white woman; just because the little mermaid was originally a white woman does not mean that it should always be set in stone that way. All races deserve a chance to change the narrative of each story, especially when it comes to playing leading roles in a Disney movie; that is precisely what Halle Bailey is doing in this movie- she is changing the narrative.

But not all are upset with this cultural impact of the infamous Disney movie; some are thrilled. Reactions to Bailey as Ariel in the live-action movie’s trailer went viral on social media. The cultural influence the film will have on young people of color is significant to Bailey since she experienced it growing up. Halle said during the Emmy award, “This moment means everything to me; I’m so grateful to be here,” she said. “I just feel honored and happy the day has finally come where we can all watch it.” Reactions to Bailey as Ariel in the live-action movie’s trailer went viral on social media. The cultural influence the film will have on young people of color is significant to Bailey since she experienced it growing up. She also said, “It means the world to me, especially for the beautiful babies to be able to see a reflection of themselves,” she added. “I am just honored to be a part of this and be one of the princesses now because it was Brandi as Cinderella and Anika Rose as Princess Tiana. So the fact that I am getting to continue this and live on this legacy is exciting, and I’m just grateful,” according to deadline.com. 

This movie is an honor and a privilege for someone of her caliber to act in it. Furthermore, it is a Milestone for African Americans- this will set new expectations and opportunities for the next generation of colored people.