THE LITTLE MERMAID Star Halle Bailey On How Disney Updated "Sexist" Themes Of Animated Classic

The original The Little Mermaid animated movie has been criticized for a certain "problematic" plot point, and star Halle Bailey has now explained how the live-action remake side-steps the issue...

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.”

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.

THE LITTLE MERMAID Makes Headlines In China Due To Forced Inclusion Of Minorities
Related:

THE LITTLE MERMAID Makes Headlines In China Due To "Forced Inclusion Of Minorities"

LEGO's Villain Icons Set Celebrates Decades Of Villainous Disney Animation
Recommended For You:

LEGO's Villain Icons Set Celebrates Decades Of Villainous Disney Animation

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, Toonado.com and Best Little Sites LLC is protected under the DMCA... [MORE]
THE LITTLE MERMAID Makes Headlines In China Due To Forced Inclusion Of Minorities
As previously reported, Disney's The Little Mermaid has not been performing very well in certain parts of the world, and the movie's negative reception in China has actually made headlines...
LEGO's Villain Icons Set Celebrates Decades Of Villainous Disney Animation
Celebrate Disney's rich history of animation and most beloved villains with the brand new LEGO set, Villain Icons, available today for $129.99.
MOANA Live-Action Remake Taps HAMILTON Director Thomas Kail To Helm
Thomas Kail, the Tony Award-winning director of Broadway’s Hamilton, has been enlisted to helm Disney’s live-action reimagining of 2016's animated musical, Moana...
How To Watch THE LITTLE MERMAID 2023 Live-Action Remake Online: Is It Streaming On Disney+?
The Little Mermaid swims into theaters this weekend, but when will you be able to watch the latest live-action remake of the beloved animated musical on Disney+? Here's when it could come to streaming.
THE LITTLE MERMAID Looks Set To Make Major Box Office Splash This Weekend With $120M - $125M
Disney's latest live-action remake, The Little Mermaid, hits theaters this weekend, and the movie looks set to make a big splash at the global box office with a $120M-$125M haul...

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