Disney Live Action Little Mermaid

[Brazoo]

I think there's many reasons these remakes are so attractive to Disney, for one thing it's about investing value into their existing IPs which is why they'll do a smash hit like Lion King, but also try out a less-regarded brand like Pete's Dragon. I think it's all about building a cycle around their existing IPs. Like, remember when Disney VHS/DVD movies went into moratorium and then they "came back" they were huge again? I don't think they care about making "classics" — I think what they want is for Little Mermaid merch to hold its value until enough time passes for the next generation when they remake it again in god-knows-what new form.

As for the casting choice? If politics is involved in casting a non-white performer it is because the politics happen to align themselves to marketing and profitability. Disney's agenda is their brand, that's it. Performers like Halle Bailey and Zendaya (and a bunch of other young performers I'm too old to know) are in Disney's bullpen because they're part of a carefully constructed architecture for future Disney. They're likely insanely super talented for their age and they're basically groomed for years to maintain a "Disney" image. It's not "PC" for its own sake — the plot is much much thicker than that.

[palitoy]

As for the casting choice? If politics is involved in casting a non-white performer it is because the politics happen to align themselves to marketing and profitability. Disney's agenda is their brand, that's it. Performers like Halle Bailey and Zendaya (and a bunch of other young performers I'm too old to know) are in Disney's bullpen because they're part of a carefully constructed architecture for future Disney. They're likely insanely super talented for their age and they're basically groomed for years to maintain a "Disney" image. It's not "PC" for its own sake — the plot is much much thicker than that.

Thank you, I share a similar take but never factored in the grooming aspect. You are right, Disney has done this since Annette.

Also, I recently read a book about marketing and they mentioned the most popular youtube star right now is this little boy who reviews toys, he's worth $11 million. The author noted that his somewhat ambiguous ethnicity played a huge hand in his global popularity.

While I have no idea what his cultural background is, I watched his videos and understood him to be a "perfect storm" in a sense for the global marketplace.

Films are all global now and while I'm sure there are well-meaning and progressive investors out there, the bottom line is the bottom line and you want everybody to come.

[Wee67]

As for the casting choice? If politics is involved in casting a non-white performer it is because the politics happen to align themselves to marketing and profitability. Disney's agenda is their brand, that's it.

Exactly! Disney is first and foremost a content business. Reinforcing the brand is the best way to strengthen and build that brand. If there's a "PC" being discussed in meetings its more likely to mean "potential cash" than anything else.

I want Disney to remake their live action movies as cartoons, "Computer wore tennis shoes" and "Superdad" being my top picks. I'm on hand to provide a Joe Flynn sound a like.

THAT would be fun! I'd love to see 'Escape To Witch Mountain' (a cartoon Donald Pleasence alone would make it worthwhile, alone) and 'The Apple Dumpling Gang' done in the style of Nick Park/Aardman Animation.

[Brazoo]

Also, I recently read a book about marketing and they mentioned the most popular youtube star right now is this little boy who reviews toys, he's worth $11 million. The author noted that his somewhat ambiguous ethnicity played a huge hand in his global popularity.

While I have no idea what his cultural background is, I watched his videos and understood him to be a "perfect storm" in a sense for the global marketplace.

Oh god! Is it Ryan or CKN Toys? My 3 year old is addicted to both. Ryan drives me crazy. Well, they both drive me crazy, but Ryan's mom is extra annoying to me for some reason.

[palitoy]

Oh god! Is it Ryan or CKN Toys? My 3 year old is addicted to both. Ryan drives me crazy. Well, they both drive me crazy, but Ryan's mom is extra annoying to me for some reason.

I think it's Ryan. Totally not my world but he even has merch!

[B-Lister]

It doesn't go both ways. Jasmine, Mulan, Pocahontas, and Tiana cannot be replaced by actors of a different race, as their identity is rooted in their culture. But Ariel is a Mermaid. Something that doesn't exist. She can be any color.

[Werewolf]

The only agenda Disney has is getting me to buy Princess dolls. Which they are succeeding at.

[Brazoo]

The only agenda Disney has is getting me to buy Princess dolls. Which they are succeeding at.

Yeah, now you'll need 2 of each — A "real" and "classic" version of every character!

Lord help us when they get around to doing an Avengers-style crossover event with these things. I can already picture Belle flying around on Dumbo in the trailer.

[Mikey]

It doesn't go both ways. Jasmine, Mulan, Pocahontas, and Tiana cannot be replaced by actors of a different race, as their identity is rooted in their culture. But Ariel is a Mermaid. Something that doesn't exist. She can be any color.

Actually, all of them could be rewritten to suit a different race - Just ask The Magnificent Seven

[ODBJBG]

I heard purple people are upset about Ursa... hur hur! I’m so clever!

[Mikey]

I heard purple people are upset about Ursa... hur hur! I’m so clever!

The only people mad at Ursula and Disney is Divine's estate

[palitoy]

The only people mad at Ursula and Disney is Divine's estate

Legitimate beef.

[B-Lister]

Actually, all of them could be rewritten to suit a different race - Just ask The Magnificent Seven

Not looking for a fight. Fish people aren't real. They can be any color.

[Werewolf]

Quick example: Ariel is a mythical creature from the fictional undersea city of Atlantica. Pocahontas is Powhatan which is one the indigenous Algonquian people of North America. If you change her race it obviously changes the story. It doesn't with Ariel.

[Werewolf]

Lord help us when they get around to doing an Avengers-style crossover event with these things. I can already picture Belle flying around on Dumbo in the trailer.

I would throw money at Disney for a Princess spin off from Wreck it Ralph. Best part of the movie.