Little Mermaid Remake to “Spotlight a Modern Woman”

Movies

Entertainment Weekly shared a lengthy article on Disney’s upcoming Little Mermaid remake today. Several topics are highlighted, from fleshing out Prince Eric’s character to the casting process for Ariel. However, what caught my attention was the focus on making Ariel “a modern woman.” Check out a quote from director Rob Marshall:

“The character goes back to Hans Christian Andersen from another century, but at the same time, even in 1989, it felt in some ways like a very modern woman, someone who sees her life differently than anyone around her, and goes to find that dream.”

“No. 1 is her passion — that fire is very important,” he explains of this new take on Ariel. “She feels displaced and it’s really an epic story of finding your true self. But also there needs to be a great deal of joy. It’s a strange combination of innocence and wisdom, and a great deal of soul and heart. She’s very modern in that way.”

There’s a lot to dig into in EW’s spread. I recommend it if you’re interested in knowing how Halle Bailey was selected. But I don’t have any problem with casting a black actress as Ariel, and we all know Prince Eric is dull as dishwater. The headline focusing on Ariel’s characterization is what took me aback, although it shouldn’t have. This is what they always do, right? Even regular fans have often complained that the outgoing, determined princess “gives up her fins/voice for a man” and other such absurdities. Let’s get one thing clear: Ariel was fascinated by the surface world and human culture before she met Eric. She is the epitome of an active protagonist, driving the story forward with her own, often flawed decisions. You can disagree with those decisions, but she is already the feminist icon they want to make her. Did anyone actually watch this movie? Ariel resorts to Ursula’s magic after her father destroys her belongings. She chooses to go to the surface as much because of her father as Eric. 

I will admit that Marshall’s comments aren’t as bad as the title led me to believe, but he still says he wants to modernize the character even more. How? Ariel is still one of the most independent, strong-willed Disney heroines ever. She already believes humans are good despite what her father and culture say. Since this version still contains Prince Eric, and they presumably fall in love and get married, I don’t know what he’s talking about. There’s nothing un-empowered or anti-feminist about being married or in a relationship, but that’s how people usually frame these things online. I’m so tired of these characters being reimagined for a more “modern take.” The irony is that Ariel is probably the character least in need of such a treatment. I’ll always be thankful that Kenneth Branagh and a wonderfully talented crew got to make 2015’s Cinderella before Disney latched onto the revisionist “Yass queen” MO of remakes. 

But what do you think? What do you make of Marshall’s comments, the remake, or anything else Little Mermaid? Talk to us in the comments!