If you really want to divide and polarize America then just do what Disney did today. The Mouse House decided to cast R&B singer Halle Bailey to play Ariel in their live-action remake of “The Little Mermaid.” The project will be Bailey’s feature film debut. Disney hired-hand Rob Marshall (“Mary Poppins Returns”) will direct, with Lin-Manuel Miranda penning brand-new songs.
In case you didn’t notice, Bailey is African- American and Ariel is a character synonymous with white, redhead-culture. Whatever that means. A lot of movie fans wanted none of that today and expressed their discontentment throughout various social media platforms. Whereas others, especially the media, were celebrating the inclusive and diverse casting of the character. Me? I couldn’t care less. It’s just another mass-marketed Disney movie — although, I do wonder if this casting will result in less tickets sold.