THE LITTLE MERMAID Star Halle Bailey Says Remake Has "Updated" Original's More Problematic Themes

In a new interview, The Little Mermaid star Halle Bailey has revealed that Disney's live-action remake has updated what many consider to be regressive and sexist themes of the animated original.

1989's The Little Mermaid is rightfully considered a classic, but some feel that certain aspects of the tale are regressive, at best, and maybe even outright sexist.

For example, in the animated film, Ariel's sole reason for wanting to leave the ocean is to pursue Prince Eric, who she fell for after saving him from drowning. Ursula strikes a deal that will give Ariel legs at the expense of her voice - but if she is unable to win Eric's heart in three days, she must spend eternity under the sea witch's control.

There are other issues (Ariel is only supposed to be 16, but is basically told to use her body to seduce Eric), but it sounds like the upcoming live-action remake has addressed some of the story's more problematic themes.

“We’ve definitely changed that perspective of just her wanting to leave the ocean for a boy," star Halle Bailey explains to Editon.com. "It’s way bigger than that. It’s about herself, her purpose, her freedom, her life and what she wants.”

“As women we are amazing, we are independent, we are modern, we are everything and above,” she continues. “And I’m glad that Disney is updating some of those themes.”

Bailey also addressed the backlash she received after being cast in the lead role.

“Seeing the world’s reaction to it was definitely a shock,” she admits, “but seeing all the babies’ reactions, all the brown and Black young girls, really tore me up emotionally. It’s honestly been such a crazy ride, and I genuinely feel shocked and honored and grateful to be in this position. A lot of times, I have to pinch myself and be like, is this real life?”

How do you guys feel about the original animated movie? Do you think certain things needed to be updated for modern audiences? Drop us a comment down below.

The Little Mermaid is the beloved story of Ariel, a beautiful and spirited young mermaid with a thirst for adventure. The youngest of King Triton’s daughters, and the most defiant, Ariel longs to find out more about the world beyond the sea, and while visiting the surface, falls for the dashing Prince Eric. While mermaids are forbidden to interact with humans, Ariel must follow her heart. She makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, which gives her a chance to experience life on land, but ultimately places her life – and her father’s crown – in jeopardy.

The movie is set to swim into theaters on May 26, 2023.

BARBIE: Check Out Dua Lipa's Fun New Music Video For Dance The Night
Related:

BARBIE: Check Out Dua Lipa's Fun New Music Video For "Dance The Night"

Does Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID Live-Action Remake Have A Post-Credits Scene?
Recommended For You:

Does Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID Live-Action Remake Have A Post-Credits Scene?

DISCLAIMER: This post was submitted by a user who has agreed to our Terms of Service and Community Guidelines. As a user-generated content platform, SFFGazette.com and Best Little Sites LLC is protected under the DMCA... [MORE]
BARBIE: Check Out Dua Lipa's Fun New Music Video For Dance The Night
Pop megastar Dua Lipa has debuted her new music video for "Dance the Night," a disco-pop tune which features footage from the upcoming Barbie movie. Check it out...
Does Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID Live-Action Remake Have A Post-Credits Scene?
Disney's live-action remake of The Little Mermaid splashes down into theaters this weekend, but are there any extra surprises worth waiting for once the credits roll? Here's our spoiler-free breakdown...
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: HONOR AMONG THIEVES' Final Box Office Totals Don't Bode Well For Sequel Chances
Despite positive reviews and an A- CinemaScore, Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves' disappointing box office totals do not bode well for a potential sequel...
BARBIE Trailer Sees Margot Robbie's Living Doll Leave Barbieland Behind To Visit The Real World
A new trailer for Greta Gerwig's Barbie movie just dropped, and as well as offering a much better idea about what we can expect from this story, we see Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling in a whole new light...
Impossibly Beautiful Gal Gadot Was Offered A Role In The BARBIE Movie
Margot Robbie, who plays the main doll in Warner Bros.' upcoming Barbie movie, has revealed that she reached out to Wonder Woman star Gal Gadot to see if she'd be interested in a role...

The Best Little Sites Network (BLS)

Action Movie and TV News - AnimeMojo.com
Anime News, Trailers & More - AnimeMojo.com
Superhero News, Videos, Rumors & More - ComicBookMovie.com
Horror News - FearHQ.com
Video Game News, Reviews, Trailers & More - GameFragger.com
Sci-Fi and Fantasy News, Videos, Rumors & More - SFFGazette.com
Cartoon and Animated Film News, Videos, Rumors & More - Toonado.com
Professional Wrestling News, Videos, Rumors & More - TheRingReport.com