Why Halle Bailey's Little Mermaid is the Inspiration We Need
Halle Bailey's role as The Little Mermaid can inspire a new generation, as she brings a fresh and diverse perspective to the classic tale Her virality on social media proves that representation matters and can have a positive impact on young viewers
It is heartwarming for Halle Bailey, the star of The Little Mermaid, to witness the reactions of children seeing her play Ariel. Upon the release of the first trailer for the live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid, videos of young black girls ecstatically discovering Bailey as Ariel circulated online. These videos demonstrate the significant and genuine impact of representation.
In an exclusive interview with Screen Rant, Bailey expressed the importance of these reactions to her. Growing up, Brandy's Cinderella and Anika Noni Rose's portrayal of Princess Tiana had a profound influence on her. She considers it an immense blessing to join them as a Disney princess. Bailey revealed that it is the reactions of the fans that keep her motivated. Read Bailey's full interview and quote below:
It brings me immense joy to witness the heartwarming reactions from children and babies towards my portrayal of a Disney princess. Their pure delight and excitement make me feel like there is a greater purpose to my role. I am grateful to have had amazing role models such as Brandy and Anika Noni Rose, who paved the way as Cinderella and Princess Tiana respectively. Joining the league of Disney princesses is truly a blessing, and it is the reactions of the little ones that continue to inspire me.
The Little Mermaid And Halle Bailey Can Inspire A New Generation
The live-action adaptations of Disney classics bring a fresh perspective to these timeless tales, captivating a new generation while still enchanting those who cherished the original animations. The Little Mermaid's live-action version features a new take on Ariel, yet still captures the essence of her adventurous, heroic, and loving spirit. Bailey's portrayal of Ariel adds depth to her already vibrant personality, showcasing her passion for life, inquisitiveness, and intellect.
The live adaptation of The Little Mermaid had a profound impact on audiences even before its release, highlighting the significance of representation in media. Viral videos featuring children who saw themselves reflected in Bailey's portrayal of Ariel demonstrated the power of on-screen diversity to inspire and validate identity. Just as previous films like The Princess and the Frog and Brandy's Cinderella have done, The Little Mermaid's representation of diverse leads provides a new possibility for children, making it a timeless classic with a tangible impact on young lives. Bailey's portrayal of Ariel will undoubtedly become an inspiration for kids, just as Brandy's Cinderella and Rose's Princess Tiana were for her.
