The little Mermaid is one of Disney’s next live-action adaptation attempts. During Expo D23 2022, the first trailer gave the world a glimpse of Halle Bailey’s Ariel. While initial reactions seemed to have been in favor of the talented singer and actress, the toxicity of internet trolls quickly took over. Many, however, had valid criticisms to share – in regards to the dark and dreary mood of the premise.
Also read: The Little Mermaid: People were so insulted by a black actor playing Ariel that they used AI to make Halle Bailey white
Others, however, resorted to racial slurs, their complaints having no credible basis. Much like the negative reception that took place when the cast was revealed for The little Mermaid, people once again voiced their resounding disapproval. On the bright side, in defense of Bailey’s role, many internet celebrities have stepped up, one of them being Lynda Carter.
Lynda Carter is against trolls and their hypocrisy
Lynda Carter, the 1972 Miss World USA crownholder, also a renowned actress, is best known for her starring role in the 1975 live-action television series, Wonderwoman. Carter is best known as the person who invented the ballerina-whirlpool transformation for the prominent fan-favorite DC superheroine. His idea was so well received that it was later incorporated into the comics as well.
Carter also happens to be a strong activist, with a vocal presence online to back up the claims. This time, alluding to the trolls’ hypocrisy towards the Halle Bailey-led The little Mermaid, the actress took to Twitter. She expressed her unwavering support for the premise by posting a sarcastic message.
Also Read: ‘Why Did They Make The Little Mermaid So Dark?’
Essentially, she completely ridiculed people who seem to have an endemic problem with Bailey’s iteration of Ariel, who, unlike the original 1989 version, happens to be a person of color. Unsurprisingly, it’s not something that connoisseurs of contemporary media haven’t had a problem with before. Most recently, efforts like The sand man, power rings, by Disney Percy Jacksonetc suffered similar and cruel treatment.
Lynda Carter’s tweet defended the Little Mermaid
Just like many other internet celebrities, the wonder woman Star Lynda Carter also spoke in favor of Halle Bailey’s latest attempt. The 71-year-old actress had the following comments about it:
“Are people mad that The Little Mermaid is black? The lady who is also a fish? Who lives under the sea? Whose best friend is a talking crab?
Correcting herself further, she added to her original tweet. Check it out:
Sorry, SINGING Crab
— Lynda Carter (@RealLyndaCarter) September 13, 2022
Such statements hint at the frustration of outrage. While the dark tone and mood of the live-action adaptation seems to have upset many – and understandably – the nitpicking went over the top and at times, crossed many lines. In recent revelations, it has been seen that the dislikes on the trailer of The little Mermaidwhile using a Chrome extension, soared to 2.1 million dislikes – a disheartening amount compared to its 900,000+ likes.
The blatant reception is staggering, to say the least. While some continue to make such remarks, others are doing their best to defend Bailey from the barrage of racist trolling she has unfortunately become the target of. We will soon see if a measure is taken or not by Disney to put an end to outrageous hatred.
The little Mermaid is set to release on May 26, 2023.
Source: Twitter
Read more: ‘Isn’t The Frog Prince’s Tiana good enough?’: The Little Mermaid fans are being lambasted for asking Disney to make a live-action film about Gabriella, the brunette mermaid
