The upcoming live-action adaptation from Disney, The Little Mermaid, continues to generate excitement globally with fans rating it “9 out of 10.” With many trailers and promotional materials released, Disney has kept viewers intrigued, although some details have sparked confusion.
In the latest images from The Little Mermaid, Disney has revealed more about the character designs, including Ariel, Prince Eric, King Triton, and Ursula. However, one character has stirred significant discussion online: the mother of Prince Eric – Princess Selina.
According to the production team of The Little Mermaid, Princess Selina is a completely new character who does not appear in the 1989 animated version. In the upcoming live-action film, it is suggested that the princess might play a role in the emotional dynamics between Eric and Ariel, allowing Eric to connect with another female character. This role is played by the talented actress Noma Dumezweni.
Dumezweni has gained recognition for her performances, particularly on stage. However, the 6X actress previously sparked controversy when she portrayed Hermione Granger in the stage adaptation of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Having a woman of color, over 50 years old, take on the role of Hermione caused quite a stir among audiences.
Currently, she is set to play the mother role of Prince Eric. However, the conversation around “skin color compatibility” between the mother and son continues to fuel many debates. At present, Princess Selina is a character that is being discussed extensively, with analyses not falling short of those of Ariel, leading fans to worry that this new character might significantly alter the storyline.
The Little Mermaid officially hits theaters on May 26, 2023.
Images: Disney
