The new live-action remake of the classic 1989 Disney movie The Little Mermaid has been the source of all kinds of negative buzz lately, with star Halle Bailey being a focal point despite her popularity with many audience members.
Now, we have even more news about the Disney film — and this news involves a British actress who has skyrocketed to fame after the success of a steamy Netflix period drama!
Ariel’s six sisters are no longer named “A” names like Arista.
Instead, the names are Karina (who is being played by Kajsa Mohammar), Caspia (who is being played by Nathalie Sorrell), Mala (who is being portrayed by Karolina Conchet), Perla (who is being played by Lorena Andrea) and Tameka (who is being portrayed by Sienna King).
According to this French website, “the official Target site has just unveiled a first image of their performers in their costumes.” The website shared the image shown below, which has begun to circulate on social media.
simone ashley is in the cast of little mermaid???? i’ve had no idea pic.twitter.com/7U5fXoKygp
— KAI (@therowthings) April 24, 2023
The previously-mentioned sisters are, of course, one short. That leaves the sister played by Simone Ashley, a British actress who has become known for the Netflix period drama series Bridgerton. Simone Ashley was a fan favorite on the show, and she is playing Ariel’s sixth sister Indira in this new version of The Little Mermaid.
Simone Ashley is Princess Indira in the The Little Mermaid pic.twitter.com/Hj1cCFowaG
— Simone Ashley Source (@SimoneAshleyCom) April 24, 2023
It will be no surprise to many Disney fans to see that Disney has gone for a diverse collection of mermaid princesses, since the Walt Disney Company has been making a concerted effort to be more inclusive even when that hasn’t panned out in its box office results.
The diversity that can be found among these Little Mermaid characters might appease audiences, but audiences are also still complaining about Disney’s casting choices for the new Lilo & Stitch adaptation since Disney chose some lighter-skinned Hawaiian actors to play Nani and her love interest David.
Are you planning on seeing the new Little Mermaid? Are you a fan of Simone Ashley, and are you excited to see her in action under the sea?
