Halle Bailey's new role is a casting breakthrough creatively and socially

Writer: Da'Zhane Johnson

If you keep up with recent news, then you probably already know Halle Bailey has been

casted as Ariel in Disney’s live-action production of The Little Mermaid. The announcement

came as a shock to everyone. Most felt that the role was perfect, and others cringed with ignorant comments.

Since Bailey is one half of the singing duo, “Chloe x Halle,” her musical ability

wasn’t up for questioning. However, her race seemed to concern the nay-sayers. Bailey’s new

role is a win for anyone in support of colorblind casting, or casting that ignores ethnicity, race,

gender, sex, or body shape. On the contrary, the method of color conscious casting involves

emphasizing ethnicity and race, in order to establish more appreciation of a character’s identity and establish more accurate “cultural intricacies.” In simpler terms, white actors should be casted to play white characters, and actors of color should be casted to play characters of color. The debate of these casting methods led to a wondering question: where should the line be drawn for creative freedom in casting?

Ariel is famous for her pale skin and red hair, so it’s no clue which method Disney used.

It’s been reported that the casting team had a goal to make “contemporary and compelling

casting choices, while still paying homage to the beloved animated original,” and they did just

that. Nonetheless, colorblind casting has proved to have a bigger impact recently, especially for Disney. Beyoncé and Donald Glover were casted to play in the upcoming release of The Lion King, which was also received well by the public. Both the infamous films were previously

animated, which seemed to hold a factor as the public expressed their opinions as well.

Many people believe that the animations being produced into live-action films are opened

to a different level of production creativity. The characters are often mystical creatures who

haven’t been discovered in our real life, therefore, why not continue to enhance their mystical

abilities? But, animated or not a character should still portray a message and discuss modern

contents.

This idea of limiting production creativity is, ultimately, a push to limit cultural exposure.

Additionally, it all results back to representation. Overall, the need for diversity in films is not

just a question on creativity, but a question of social responsibility. As a child growing up, the

experiences of multiple cultures are essential. They provide meaningful lessons, knowledge, and a development of respect children must be exposed to. Disney has grasped their social

responsibility as a company and executed for several years. Characters like Mulan, Princess

Tiana, and Moana exhibit their drive for representation. By casting Bailey in the film as Ariel,

they not only are generating an inventive outlook on an old classic story but expanding the

boundaries of representation in society once again.

The question we should be asking is not about limiting creative freedom, but how

creative freedom can continue to build the same lessons, knowledge, and respect we’ve all

learned to have. Additionally, changes in theatre shouldn’t be feared but encouraged, as long as it sends the right message. Bailey’s role encourages another story for young black girls, while still opening another discussion of representation in Hollywood. For the most part, if you don’t agree with that message, then maybe you should actually start to ask questions that focus on a personal reflection instead of creative limitations.