There’s been a lot of discussion about Halle Bailey as Ariel in Disney’s upcoming live-action remake of The little Mermaidand the controversy has found its way to Saturday Night Live. While there are many excited to see a new take on Ariel with Bailey in the role, the casting has not gone without criticism with some on social media unhappy with the fictional mermaid’s “race swapping”. . Appear as “Black Ariel” during the “Weekend Update” segment on SNLEgo Nwodim addressed the backlash, and you can see the skit in the video below.
In the segment, Ariel van Nwodim states that she should not be seen as a role model in any case. She says there’s a lot of pressure to be put in this position and insists she’s just a mermaid and not the “hero” people make her to be. Nwodim makes the disclosure that she was born into wealth, especially Bezos level wealthy, with her father as the king of the sea.
“I used to ride around on little seahorses for fun,” says Nwodim.
“What is wrong with that?” asks Colin Jost.
“Down there, they’re just poor people,” the mermaid responds.
Nwodim then begins to mock the half-fish aspects of her mermaid character, suggesting she’s not smart enough for people to look up to her as a role model.
“I’m stupid too, Colin,” she said. “Like, stupid stupid. My brain is half a fish. I’ll bite a worm on a hook. Gets me every damn time!”
Complicating matters even more is that this Ariel says she is “pro-SeaWorld”, referring to the heavy controversy that has arisen against the park for its treatment of marine animals. Hoping to evoke even more backlash against herself while playing a part, Nwodim also jokes that she fully supports the Iraq war and takes credit for causing the war in Iraq. infamous BP oil spill that happened in 2010.
“I ran down that pipeline drunk one night and did a little damage,” says Ariel van Nwodim. ‘Yes. To this day, Bot still won’t talk to me.’
The Little Mermaid Remake Imagines Ariel
Some people may not like it, but Halle Bailey is the new Ariel. This casting decision is something that has the blessing of original Ariel voice actress Jodi Benson, who is just as excited as many fans to see this different take on the character. Lin-Manuel Miranda, who co-wrote new music for the film with Alan Menken, has said haters can “go crazy” as Bailey is the perfect Ariel.
“I’m not interested in giving oxygen because I know which lives will be changed,” Miranda explained of those who criticized Bailey on social media, via Variety. “Halle is perfect for the part. She’ll blow them away. If that’s what makes you mad, stay mad. But examine your choices.”
The little Mermaid will hit theaters on May 26, 2023.