KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian netizens did not hide their disdain over Disney’s decision to cast African-American actress Halle Bailey as Princess Ariel in its live-action remake of the beloved cartoon The Little Mermaid.
Many of their comments turned racial and insensitive after Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) shared images from the movie production on their Facebook page.
Other netizens, however, took the opportunity to explain their objections.
Among the arguments include wanting Disney to stick to the original cartoon as long-time fans may want to see an actress that closely resembles Ariel from the 1989 animated film.
Some also questioned if Hollywood’s decision – made in the name of diversity – would result in an Asian Elsa or a Caucasian Black Panther.
“Have they made original black characters (from animation/comics) to be played by white actors? I wonder what people will say about that,” said user Nazirul Naza.
User Hazim Asri commented: “There is a person in the comment who said we are racist. This is not about race. This is about accuracy and originality. Disney should not change the original characters. If they want black people, then create another character. Don’t change Ariel. Create another black mermaid with a different name.”
The upcoming The Little Mermaid movie will be a musical fantasy film directed by Rob Marshall.
Initial production of the film was scheduled to begin March last year in London but was rescheduled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Only in November, Disney’s new CEO Bob Chapek announced the resumption of some movie productions. – The Vibes, June 24, 2021
