Dwayne Johnson recently expressed his admiration for The Little Mermaid and its lead actress Halle Bailey. The live-action adaptation of the beloved 1989 animated film tells the story of Ariel, a mermaid who sacrifices her voice to the treacherous sea witch Ursula in order to experience life on land. Bailey, who rose to fame as one half of the musical duo Chloe x Halle and stars in the Freeform sitcom Grown-ish, portrays the iconic character of Ariel with finesse. Johnson took to Twitter to share a heartfelt message from the theater after treating a group of kids, including his own, to a screening of the new film.
Will Dwayne Johnson's Moana Remake Do As Well As The Little Mermaid?
The video highlights the children's adoration for Bailey, her melodious voice, and the character of Ariel. The lengthy caption accompanying the video expresses admiration for Bailey's perseverance and hard work, commending a movie that motivates individuals of all races and ethnicities.
The Little Mermaid screening was likely significant to Johnson for another reason - he is producing a live-action remake of Moana, which was released in 2016. In this upcoming film, Johnson will reprise his role as Maui, the demigod. Like The Little Mermaid, Moana also features a Disney heroine of color and showcases the culture of the native peoples of the Pacific. With The Little Mermaid's global success, earning about $250 million so far, it is certainly promising news for the Moana remake.
Moana's potential to attract the same audience as The Little Mermaid remains uncertain. There are arguments for and against its success. On the one hand, it showcases Johnson, a globally renowned star, in contrast to Bailey, who is relatively unknown. On the other hand, The Little Mermaid holds a revered status as a Disney classic. Although Moana was positively received upon its release, its recent debut may not generate sufficient enthusiasm for a fresh retelling. Nevertheless, even if it falls short of expectations, it will continue to promote Johnson's objective of featuring diverse characters in an enchanting and unforgettable manner.
Source: Dwayne Johnson/Twitter