We probably shouldn’t tell them Brandy starred as Cinderella back in the day.
Remember that rumor about Idris Elba playing the next James Bond and how the bigots were upset? Well, now their daughters are on Twitter having a fit.
Earlier this week, news broke that singer-actress, Halle Bailey, will star as Ariel in Disney’s upcoming live-action remake of The Little Mermaid.
chloe x halle on Twitter
dream come true… ??♀️?
Ariel is a mermaid, and the rebellious daughter of King Triton, who dreams of the day that she could live on dry land.
Robin Marshall— who is responsible for Mary Poppins and Mary Poppins Returns— is set to direct.
Actors, Melissa McCarthy, Jacob Tremblay and Awkwafina are in talks to star and lend their voices to other live-action and CG parts.
“After an extensive search, it was abundantly clear that Halle possesses that rare combination of spirit, heart, youth, innocence, and substance — plus a glorious singing voice — all intrinsic qualities necessary to play this iconic role,” said Marshall in a statement.
The 19-year-old, along with her sister Chloe, make up the R&B duo, Chloe X Halle. The pair were signed to Beyoncé’s Parkwood Entertainment label after gaining popularity doing cover songs on Youtube. The sisters also star alongside Yari Shadi in the Blackish spin-off on Freeform, Grownish.
In other words, Halle is not only booked and busy but highly qualified to play the part.
But despite her credentials, mayo-Twitter can’t seem to accept it. When word got out, rage and racism flooded the Twitter streets, many expressing distress over the decision and demanding a “true-to-color” Ariel.
Um, did I mention Ariel is a mermaid?
Check out some of the ridiculous reactions below.
Angie Moekie on Twitter
I’m done with #Disney, they’ll destroy my favourite story. Ariel should be played by someone with red hair & big blue eyes cuz that’s the way the cartoon was made, that’s #Ariel also at the themeparks IDGAF if that makes me racist. #HalleBailey shouldn’t be Ariel!
Andrew GRow on Twitter
Disappointed with #HalleBailey as #Ariel. Disney kept the essence of Belle and Jasmine so why isnt Ariel ginger and light skin? So not happy about it #TheLittleMermaid
And this one sums up the whole #arieliswhite nonsense.
Hello Gillian on Twitter
lol at people actually thinking that Ariel cannot be played by a black actress because of ‘mermaid science’
In case you wanted proof that Halle is the real deal, check out this little clip.
Alfredo Calderón on Twitter
Guys, chill out!! #TheLittleMermaid was never about #Ariel’s skin or hair colour!! It was all about her voice!! Do tell me if #HalleBailey was not meant to play this role all along! @chloexhalle @DisneyStudiosLA I’m so looking forward to this!! https://t.co/5f7rzTjvGQ
Damn! So yeah, be sure to bring the kids out when this movie drops.
An early 2020 production start is being planned.
