[Focus] Is the 'Black' Little Mermaid a Distortion of the Original?

Disney Live-Action Film 'The Little Mermaid'
May Release...Global Controversy Reignited
"Original Damage" vs "Creative Domain"

Is the Black mermaid a distortion of the original work or blackwashing?

The Disney live-action film The Little Mermaid (director Rob Marshall), based on the fairy tale The Little Mermaid by Danish author Andersen, will be released domestically in May. It is a live-action adaptation that modernizes the 1989 animated film of the same name.

In 2019, Disney announced the casting of actress Halle Bailey as the lead mermaid in the live-action film. Since then, debates surrounding the Black mermaid have intensified. Unlike the original mermaid characterized by white skin and red hair, the actress has black skin and black hair. This sparked various controversies, including discussions on racism and criticism of Disney’s chronic casting issues.

The Black Mermaid Destroys the Original... PC Culture and Blackwashing Controversies

Reactions have been mixed. Production took four years from start to release. With the confirmed release in May and the recent unveiling of the The Little Mermaid trailer, interest has been renewed. In the trailer, Halle Bailey swims underwater and meets Prince Eric (Jonah Hauer-King). The scene darkens, and Ursula’s evil laughter echoes. All the mermaids appearing seem to be Black.

Criticism has arisen that casting a Black actress as the mermaid damages the original image and that Disney’s excessive political correctness (PC) is destroying the charm of the work. On the other hand, some argue that anyone can be the Little Mermaid, viewing the casting as a positive step toward breaking racial discrimination.

When the casting news broke in 2019, a boycott movement spread on social media with the hashtag #NotMyAriel. Such criticism has continued even after the trailer’s release.

This is not Disney’s first miscasting controversy. Disney, which produces many politically correct films, cast Latin actress Rachel Zegler as the lead in the live-action Snow White, and Black actress Yara Shahidi as Tinker Bell in the live-action Peter Pan. Both faced similar miscasting criticisms.

The controversy reflects the disappointment of original fans. The main criticism is not about racism but that the casting does not fit the original character. Some argue that it divides Disney’s established worldview.

"Criticizing Skin Color Is Racism"

[Photo by Walt Disney Company Korea]

There are also strong counterarguments. Some say it can break the stereotype that "princesses are white." This supports PC culture that embraces diverse races in works. However, criticism against Disney’s excessive PC culture as reverse discrimination is also strong. Casting a Black actress when the original character is not Black is labeled as "blackwashing."

The emphasis is placed on faithfully portraying the identity of the mermaid from the original story rather than skin color. Some netizens criticized, "Questioning the skin color of a mythical mermaid is racism." Disney responded, "There are Black people in Denmark, so the Danish mermaid can also be Black."

Halle Bailey, who plays Ariel, said, "I want the little girl inside me and little girls like me to know that they are special and should be princesses in every way."

Director Rob Marshall (62) said, "We were just looking for the best actor for the role. That’s all." He added, "Halle Bailey is an incredibly talented actress." He explained, "Our goal was to find a strong, passionate, beautiful, smart, and clever Ariel. After the acting test, she was the perfect Ariel to cast immediately." Producer Sean Bailey also agreed, saying, "I think Halle Bailey is the right person for the role."

The Continuing History of Disney Miscasting

From the left, clockwise: The Little Mermaid - Halle Bailey, Tinker Bell - Yara Shahidi, Snow White - Rachel Zegler, Blue Fairy - Cynthia Erivo [Photo by Disney]

This is not the first miscasting controversy for a film based on an original work. When Black actor Will Smith was cast as the Genie in the live-action Aladdin, fans initially reacted coldly, complaining that Will Smith did not fit the Genie. However, after the film’s release, opinions changed, praising Will Smith for capturing the Genie’s lively spirit. The film was also popular domestically, attracting 8 million viewers.

Actor Hugh Jackman from the X-Men series also faced miscasting concerns. Standing 190 cm tall, he was seen as incompatible with the comic book’s X-Men character, raising worries. At the time, Hugh Jackman was a relatively unknown Australian, which was also viewed unfavorably. After the release, he was praised for creating a new Wolverine and appeared in nine X-Men films, earning a Guinness World Record for the longest tenure as a superhero actor at 16 years and 228 days.

Attempts to cast diverse races are notable, but Asians are particularly underrepresented. The live-action film Mulan initially cast actress Jennifer Lawrence as Mulan, drawing criticism for casting a white actress instead of an Asian one as in the original Chinese setting. Eventually, Disney cast Chinese actress Liu Yifei (Yu Yifei·劉亦菲) as Mulan.

"Includes Scary Scenes"… Not Rated for All Ages

'The Little Mermaid' trailer image [Photo by Disney]

The Little Mermaid did not receive a rating suitable for all ages. According to the American film site FilmRatings.com, The Little Mermaid recently received a PG rating. This rating requires parental guidance and is suitable for viewers aged 7 and older. The site explained the rating was due to "action and danger elements and some scary images."

While the PG rating is generally attributed to the inclusion of some frightening scenes, some interpret the rating decision in connection with the lead casting controversy.

Typically, animated live-action films receive a G rating, suitable for all ages. However, major foreign media noted that Disney’s live-action films are made for children rather than toddlers, so receiving a PG rating is not surprising.

Previously released Disney live-action films such as Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin also received PG ratings requiring parental guidance.