One of the most eagerly awaited films
»The Little Mermaid» is the latest live action Disney animated classic to hit theaters.
The revision of the animated classic
This new version of the animated classic opens worldwide on Friday, May 26, 2023, following the uproar caused by the choice of its leading actress, Halle Bailey, the young singer who brings Ariel to life and who has suffered countless racist attacks in the last year.
The leading lady, proud and honored with the role
Disqualifications and offenses poured from hatred that, Bailey confesses, she expected and overcame. «I feel very honored to be a black woman and to have such a big role for us,» she says in an interview with the Spanish media Europa Press, in which she acknowledges the importance of such a film for both the industry and the public.
A very dear Ariel
«It’s really nice to be able to see the reactions of the children, of the babies, saying, ‘Wow, she looks like me. We have the same skin, the same hair….. Seeing ourselves represented is something that makes a lot of impact on us as children,» explains the actress.
The actress is a symbol
At only 23 years old, Bailey has already become a reference for millions of people around the world.
Representation is important
«It’s really valuable, it adds to our spirit, our confidence and our self-esteem. So I feel very honored to be able to be in this position,» confirms the young woman, who also details that she tried to look on the bright side of her choice for the role in the face of those who attacked her with hatred.
It has remained strong in the face of attacks
«I expected it. But I think I stayed strong by surrounding myself with loved ones and people who lift me up and are good to me. And you focus on the positive. I would watch these precious videos of little boys and girls,» the actress says of a viral movement in which thousands of children were filmed by their parents as they excitedly watched the first trailer for the film.
A greater purpose
«That’s what reminds you that there’s a greater purpose and that the reason we’re doing this is bigger than all of us,» he sentences.
Jonah defines it as a unique experience
For Jonah Hauer-King, who plays Prince Eric, being able to bring the animated classic back to the screen was unique.
A new version without losing the original essence
«It was a privilege to be able to take on a story that we knew and loved so much, go back to it and reimagine it,» the actor points out. «It was about honoring and respecting, and then also bringing it in an exciting way to a new generation,» he adds. At the same time, both acknowledge that they felt a great responsibility and are very happy with the result they have achieved.
A star-studded cast
In addition to Bailey and Hauer-King, the film’s cast includes Javier Bardem, Melissa McCarthy, Daveed Diggs, Jacob Tremblay and Awkwafina, among others.
