Recently Halle Bailey posted a teaser on her Instagram page announcing to the world the live-action version of The Little Mermaid, in which she stars as Ariel. This teaser sent the internet into a frenzy by showcasing the mermaid’s signature purple top, green tail, and GORGEOUS red locs. Disney has only had one black princess in its entirety, Princess Tiana from Princess and the Frog, voiced by Anika Noni Rose. Halle Bailey is the first black woman to portray a Disney princess on the big screen in a live-action format.
With the release of this teaser, there’s been a massive discussion about the importance of representation specifically for black and brown youth. There are several videos on TikTok of children reacting to the teaser, many commenting on Bailey’s natural hair and how they finally get to see a Disney Princess that looks like them.Â
These reactions show how valuable it is for everybody to see themselves represented in film and television. Seeing these influential characters played by actors of color reinstate the idea that nobody is limited to what they can do. Being a person of color does not inherently inhibit you from getting what you want and deserve from life. Being black or brown should be motivation to reach goals that haven’t been achieved before, to help and inspire those who come after us.Â
The film is set to release on May 26, 2023. Halle Bailey will be co starring with Melissa Mcarthy, Daveed Diggs, Awkwafina, Simone Ashley, Jacob Tremblay, and Jonah Hauerking. The musical film was composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda, who has a vast background in writing outstanding musicals such as In The Heights, Hamilton, and Encanto.Â
We still have a while until The Little Mermaid hits theaters, but we are certain it’ll be worth the wait.Â
See you soon… Under the Sea (cue music)