Director Rob Marshall of “The Little Mermaid” live-actor fired back at those who oppose the “Black Little Mermaid”.
On May 20th (local time), director Rob Marshall said in an interview with the media outlet Deadline, “I didn’t think that it was a big deal, casting a woman of color. I thought, that’s an archaic way to see the world. When that controversy arose, from narrow-minded people, I thought, wow, that really feels like it’s coming from another century.”
The live-action musical film “The Little Mermaid” is about the adventurous Little Mermaid Ariel, who dreamed of a world beyond the sea. Ariel saves Prince Eric who is in peril, and follows the voice of her heart to the forbidden human world.
In 2019, Rob Marshall announced that black singer and actress Halle Bailey had been cast as Arial, leading to mixed responses regarding her skin color.
Regarding this, Rob Marshall said, “I first saw Halle on the Grammys, when we had just started casting. We were looking everywhere, and there was no agenda to cast a woman of color. Just, let’s find the best Ariel”, adding, “It was interesting to me that this whole idea of prejudice in the world is really what the film’s about.
He went on to explain, “As the world in many ways becomes more divisive, this felt like an antidote to all of that. The whole time making the film, it felt like an antidote to this divided place we’re in, an important reminder that we’re really all one.”
Meanwhile, Halle Bailey also revealed a positive attitude, saying that she doesn’t care about people who oppose to her casting because of skin color. Instead, she just thinks about those who are positive and tries to lift her up.
On the other hand, “The Little Mermaid” will be released on May 24th in Korean cinemas.
