Critics Attack New Version of Black Princess Ariel: “You are saying being white is a problem”

With the release of the trailer for Disney Junior’s upcoming show, ARIEL, fans have mixed reactions to seeing a young Black Princess Ariel.

One of the main controversies that characterized The Little Mermaid when it came out back in 2023 was the uproar over the fact that Princess Ariel had “switched” in terms of race. In fact, many trolls, as part of the racist backlash towards the film, actively attempted to tank the movie by review bombing it online solely because Princess Ariel was played by Black actress Halle Bailey.

Now, a new trailer for a show has premiered featuring a new iteration of a Black Princess Ariel, and fans are expressing their displeasure once again.

When the highly-anticipated live-action remake of The Little Mermaid came to theaters, it opened to mixed reception. Some fans were incredibly excited to see a new representation of Princess Ariel, while others were decidedly less so.

In the movie, Halle Bailey played Princess Ariel, Jonah Hauer-King was Prince Eric, Melissa McCarthy played Ursula, the evil sea witch, Javier Bardem was King Triton, and Noma Dumezweni was Queen Selina. Jacob Tremblay voiced Flounder, Daveed Diggs, Sebastian, and Awkwafina voiced Scuttle.

Many dragged Disney for its casting choice, and this was one of those incidents that fueled the fire for Disney’s “woke” debate that raged on over 2023.

The official teaser trailer for Disney Junior’s ‘ARIEL’ is out.

The show premieres this Summer.pic.twitter.com/Eo4s9lIU75

— Disney Animation Promos (@DisneyAPromos) March 29, 2024

Now, having set the precedent for Princess Ariel being of a different race than the original animated feature from 1989 broadly inspired by the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, Disney has doubled down on with its Disney Junior show, ARIEL.

However, many critics are back at it with their critique of the casting and drawing choice for Princess Ariel. Some fans noted that if Disney was “race-swapping” the fictional character of Princess Ariel, then they needed to do the same for Princess Tiana. When one fan argued that “Unlike Ariel, Tiana’s race is actually important to the story?” others disagreed.

They responded, “Ariel’s race is just as important. Are you saying black culture is more important? It’s not. You are telling black kids being white is a problem. They absolutely need to race swap black characters now or else the message is toxic.” 

Ariel's race is just as important. Are you saying black culture is more important? It's not. You are telling black kids being white is a problem. They absolutely need to race swap black characters now or else the message is toxic

— Olivianation (@Yes2QueenThings) March 31, 2024

On the flip side, many also wholly disagreed with this view, reminding fellow fans of the audience for the show. One wrote, “The show is for babies my brother.”

Another fan similarly called out how they found the whole situation ridiculous, stating, “can’t believe y’all are so ridiculous, you’re mad over a show for BABIES…” 

Ultimately, Disney certainly seems to be sticking with its choice to bring more representation, diversity, and inclusion to its casting and television.

In a society where representation matters greatly, the introduction of a black princess Ariel not only reflects the evolving demographics of modern audiences but also signals a shift towards more authentic and inclusive storytelling. By reimagining a traditionally white character as a black princess, Disney is breaking barriers and challenging the status quo, paving the way for a new era of representation in mainstream media.

But perhaps audiences are still not convinced that this is the right move from Disney.