Since it was revealed that singer Halle Bailey had been selected in Disney’s most recent live-action production of The Little Mermaid, criticism has surrounded the project. While nostalgic fans typically have something negative to say about Disney’s mediocre remakes, this time, the backlash is blatantly racist, with all of the anger directed at the choice of a non-white actress to play the lead mermaid. 

Film buffs and Disney fans alike ridiculed the notion that the titular mermaid had to be performed by a white actress in order to maintain “accuracy” in response to the Internet hatred. As many people noted, the movie is about a mermaid, a fictional character for whom race has no bearing. If you’re still not convinced of the value of diversity in entertainment, watch the heartwarming series of movies showing young Black girls’ reactions to recognizing themselves in their beloved Disney princess.

While fighting the criticism, several fans brought up other elements of the story and production of The Little Mermaid that they hoped would be discussed rather than the pointless casting issue. The teaser trailer is brief and there aren’t many visual cues for viewers to consider additional changes. But for viewers with a critical eye, one feature stood out right away: the color scheme. The undersea scene shown in the teaser is generally dark and dreary, as several people noted. 

Additionally, the lighting is rather chilly and blue-tinted, not the brightness that nostalgic viewers usually associate with animated Disney movies. Support and more spirited conversation followed this. The scenario clearly takes place underwater, therefore the live-action rendition of an oceanic scene, according to supporters of the color palette, is staying faithful to what it would genuinely look like. Others note that color theory and the song “Part of Your World,” which Bailey performs throughout the scene, perfectly match the aesthetic tone of the scene by being sorrowful and wishing for a world above the ocean.

Although Bailey has received a lot of support from fans who admire her vocal abilities, other viewers have questioned whether singing skills can compensate for what some have said to be a lack of acting experience. Despite her extended tenure on Grown-ish, Bailey has few film credits and is most known for her musical abilities as one half of Chloe x Halle.

Internet users are still debating whether acting skills or singing ability should come first in a musical film, with many referring to Emma Watson’s portrayal of Belle in the live-action Beauty and the Beast as an example of the opposite. Although no one questions Bailey’s singing prowess, the film will give her the chance to demonstrate her acting skills and perhaps put an end to the argument over whether singers or actresses are more important in musical films.