Buzz
This new character added by Disney to The Little Mermaid is stirring controversy.
As Disney's current attention-grabbing project, The Little Mermaid - Nàng tiên cá continues to leave audiences worldwide divided. The more scenes they release, the more viewers are disappointed by numerous dull details, even finding them perplexing.
In the latest images from The Little Mermaid, Disney has given viewers a clearer look at the character designs, such as Ariel, Prince Eric, King Triton, antagonist Ursula... However, there's one character sparking heated online debates - Prince Eric's mother, Queen Selina.
According to the The Little Mermaid team, Queen Selina is a completely new character and did not appear in the 1989 animated version. Making her debut in this live-action blockbuster, the queen is likely to play a role in complicating the relationship between Eric and Ariel, possibly pushing Eric towards marrying another high-born girl. The character is portrayed by seasoned actress Noma Dumezweni.
Dumezweni's acting talent is well-acknowledged, especially in the theater realm. However, the 60-something actress previously stirred intense controversy when she portrayed the witch Hermione in the stage adaptation of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Casting a mature actress of color as the young witch Hermione left many audiences unsettled.
Now, she joins The Little Mermaid as the mother of Prince Eric. However, the 'skin color clash' between mother and son continues to fuel debates. Currently, this character is being discussed and analyzed no less than Ariel the mermaid, leaving fans worried that this new element may completely alter the storyline.
The Little Mermaid officially premiered on May 26, 2023.
Photo: Disney
