
Black singer Halle Bailey has landed the role of Ariel in Disney's upcoming live action adaptation of The Little Mermaid.
The R&B singer, who is one part of the singing duo Chloe x Halle, has taken the titular role, but a black mermaid is unacceptable to many white Disney fans.
“After an extensive search, it was abundantly clear that Halle possesses that rare combination of spirit, heart, youth, innocence, and substance - plus a glorious singing voice - all intrinsic qualities necessary to play this iconic role,” director Rob Marshall told Variety in a statement.
A black mythological creature seems to be beyond the realms of understanding for some, and they’ve taken to Twitter to air their views.
Some tried to couch their racism criticism by arguing that the problem is that she simply doesn't look like the fictional, not-real, totally cartoon character, you know?
"tHe ReAl MeRmAiD Is DaNish, I wAnT OfF tHe dIvErSiTy TrAiN."
Not everyone had a problem with a black Ariel.
In fact, it was pointed out that non-white Disney fans have had to watch an "entire catalogue" of white princesses for 70 years... without complaint.
And children of colour have been watching Disney movies with white princesses for years and they could still relate, despite the lack of representation...
The racialised outrage was amusing for some.
Me looking at all these racist Ariel/Little Mermaid tweets from this office 💀 https://t.co/hsrdmleAsH— Clarkisha (@Clarkisha) 1562200184
Racists: Ariel is supposed to be white...i can’t believe Disney 😡 Disney: https://t.co/2HwdEkNuyf— 💛PrettyBrownSkin💛 (@💛PrettyBrownSkin💛) 1562216658
Mostly, people were happy to see that a talented actress and singer landed the role, with the added bonus of Disney taking steps to be representative of all of its viewers.
@THR Natural redhead here. If getting rid of the red hair is what it takes to start seeing better representation fo… https://t.co/2KT72KOddc— Mollie-verse of Madness (@Mollie-verse of Madness) 1562186961
Ayyy, Ariel is black and there’s nothing you closet racists and bigots can do about it😂 https://t.co/Yv9NCYz8Ed— Shak Gabbidon-Williams (@Shak Gabbidon-Williams) 1562234694
Although there were some who were offended that Disney cast a human to play a mermaid.
Valid, tbh.
My dude, she's a mermaid, a mythical creature. She's half fish, ffs. There is absolutely not reason to make Ariel w… https://t.co/65VOAOtJRM— Spookiecorn 👻🧙♀️👹👾🐉🧛♀️🏳️🌈 (@Spookiecorn 👻🧙♀️👹👾🐉🧛♀️🏳️🌈) 1562193765
@THR This is a travesty. The original Little Mermaid had green scales. I bet this actress doesn't have any scales!— Francis Serpa (@Francis Serpa) 1562183159
Someone should contact the Merepeople Union.
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