If the streaming figures, The Little Mermaid is proving to be one of Disney’s most popular live remakes. It’s a great sign that people are more than ready to embrace more diverse casting choices in future remakes of the classics.
After all, it’s high time Disney embraced diverse representation. As Halle Bailey told GLAMOUR US earlier this year, it really does matter to young children who watch the films.
“When I saw [the stills from the film] for the first time, I just cried…I was sobbing uncontrollably. The fact that these babies are looking at me and feeling the emotions that they’re feeling is a really humbling, beautiful thing,” Bailey said. “I know how much [seeing Anika Noni Rose playing The Princess and the Frog] changed my whole perspective on life. Wow, this is possible. Black princesses are possible. We deserve to take up these spaces too.”
Hopefully, this is a sign that the majority of people are willing to be — well — normal about it!
Disney
If you’re craving more live action Disney, you’re in luck. The production company has a number of classic remakes already in the works, including Moana, Hercules, Bambi, The Aristocats, Robin Hood and The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
Next up, there’s Rachel Zegler’s version of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, which, once again, promises to be a modern take on the classic fairy tale — and despite some weird backlash, we honestly cannot wait.
The Little Mermaid is now streaming on Disney+.