[imagesource:disney]

The Little Mermaid received a fairly heated conversation, even before anyone saw the trailer.

That’s because actor and singer Halle Bailey has been set to star as Ariel, and (white) folks just couldn’t believe that one of their favourite Disney characters was going to be black.

We’re willfully ignoring the racist vitriol that came “with an inevitability that could crush your bones to dust”, and diving straight into the live-action re-imagining of the underwater world.

The new film is a live-action version of the 1989 animated classic, which won two Academy Awards for best original song – ‘Under the Sea’ – and best original score.

CNN reported that as part of the 95th Academy Awards telecast, two of the film’s stars, Bailey and Melissa McCarthy, came out on stage to present the film, before the trailer aired for viewers at home.

In the trailer, you can see Bailey’s full transformation into Ariel, as well as comedian and actress McCarthy as the infamous sea witch, Ursula.

There’s also a glimpse of a small red crab, presumably Sebastian, voiced by Daveed Diggs, and the object of Ariel’s affection, Prince Eric played by Jonah Hauer-King.

You also can’t help but smile at the nostalgia that wells up upon hearing the highly anticipated musical numbers in the trailer, including ‘Part of Your World’ and ‘Kiss the Girl’.

Without further ado:

The Little Mermaid will swim into theatres on May 26.

We’ll have none of those rubbish racial comments going forward, thanks. Black Ariel is now set in the screen.

In fact, a POC singing “someday I’ll be a part of your world” feels really appropriate.

[source:cnn]