Ever since Disney has announced Halle Bailey was going to be the studios new Ariel for their upcoming live-action The Little Mermaid remake, it has become a major topic of discussion for all the wrong reasons.
However, thanks to a recent poll from The Hollywood Reporter conducted last week they asked 2,200 adults about the casting. 55% either strongly or somewhat supporting the choice compared to 28% with no opinion and 17% who oppose. Interestingly there is a division amongst party lines with 75% of Democrats supporting the casting, while only 44% of Republicans do.
The poll then asked about remakes in general. Specifically, if remakes should be remade as close to their original as possible including the race and ethnicity of each character, or if they should try to be more diverse in their casting. Around 48% responded that they should stick as close to the original as possible compared to 25% who support more diversity.
Directed by Rob Marshall and joining Halle Bailey is Melissa McCarthy, Jacob Tremblay and Awkwafina who are in talks to star and lend their voices to the villainous Ursula, Ariel’s best friend Flounder, and Scuttle.
As of right now, there is no release date for the film. However, production is expected to begin next January. We expect to hear more news on this project at Disney’s bi-annual D23 Expo this August.
Released in 1989, Disney’s animated classic centered on a young mermaid named Ariel, who is captivated by the world upon the surface. When she falls in love with a human prince, she makes a deal with a villainous sea witch to become human, herself, and earn his love before the agreed time runs out.
The movie grossed over $100 million at the US box office upon its initial release and won two Academy Awards for Best Song (“Under the Sea”) and Best Original Music Score for Alan Menken. It is credited as the film to have started the historic Disney Renaissance.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
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