The Little Mermaid (2023) starring Halle Bailey is set to premiere on the 26th of May. In this article, we find out more about the plot, cast and trailer as well as the criticism towards Disney and Halle Bailey's casting.

Reaction: The Little Mermaid (2023) Release Date, Trailer And Criticism

The Little Mermaid is a timeless classic set to return very soon on the big screen. A few days ago, the latest trailer was released showing us a sneak peak of what to expect. Stunning visuals, a family friendly story and a great cast paves the way for The Little Mermaid to become a major success. But that’s not all. For the first time ever, Ariel is played by a black actor which highlights an important discussion made evident by kids reaction to the teaser. They can’t believe their eyes when Ariel looks just like them. When Ariel returns in The Little Mermaid, you’ll find us on the front row reliving our childhood with big googly eyes. Here is everything you need to know about Halle Bailey, The Little Mermaid and Ariel.

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The Plot

You probably know how the story goes, but for those of you who have forgotten, here’s the breakdown. Ariel is a young mermaid (yes, they actually exist) who strikes a deal with a mean old sea witch (believe it or not, they also exist!) to trade her characteristics and charming voice for human legs. Ariel is obsessed with the mysteries above water, especially humans. Following a devastating storm, she disobeys her fathers command and makes contact with a young prince to save him from drowning. The rest is history…

Halle Bailey as 'Ariel' in The Little Mermaid (2023)
Halle Bailey as 'Ariel' in The Little Mermaid (2023)

Halle Bailey Enters The Stage 

The Little Mermaid (2023) stars Melissa McCarthy, Javier Bardem, Jonah Hauer-King and of course, Halle Bailey as Ariel. The up-until-now rather unknown Halle Bailey is set to make a striking debut on the big stage by playing the beloved Ariel, a role she had to great competition for. Maya Hawke and Zendaya are two names said to have been considered for the role, but eventually, Bailey put pen to paper and made the deal. 

When the first official trailer was released, a swarm of dislikes and criticism targeted Disney and Halle Bailey for casting a non-white actress in the role of Ariel. Some argued it was inaccurate to the original Danish “The Little Mermaid” tale. Nevertheless, nothing can stop Halle Bailey now as The Little Mermaid (2023) is set to be released on the 26th of May.

This tweet says it all…

Ariel was meant to inspire

Following the unjust criticism towards Disney and Bailey, parents around the world recorded their kids reacting to the trailer. For the first time, the kids saw themselves as the underwater princess, and their reaction says it all.

Some people forgot this is a kids movie, and kids don’t care… 

This. This is the tweet. 

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