'Narrow-minded people': 'Little Mermaid' director Rob Marshall recalls racist comments over casting Halle Bailey as 'Ariel'

2023-05-20 05:52

'When that controversy arose, I thought wow that really feels like it's coming from another century,' said Rob Marshall

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Rob Marshall shared the online racist comments people made after he cast Halle Bailey as ‘Ariel.’ The director announced the cast back in 2019 and was immediately met with hateful response from people. "I didn't think that it was a big deal, casting a woman of color. I thought, 'that's an archaic way to see the world,' " he said during an interview.

The 'Little Mermaid' maker continued, "When that controversy arose from narrow-minded people, I thought, 'Wow, that really feels like it's coming from another century. Are we really still there?'“ He was quick to add that there were several positives from the announcement as well as many children saw themselves in this story and found it relatable. "But the bonus that came with that casting and I wasn't aware of it at the time is seeing these young girls of color and young boys of color looking at her and thinking, 'Wow, I'm represented.' It was very, very moving to me," explained Marshall.

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'It is important that people are represented'

Expressing pride in his movie and the casting, the 62-year-old told Deadline, "It is an important reminder that this is still sort of new, the idea that women and men of color are cast across the board. We're still developing and growing in that area. It is important that people are represented, and vital that people see themselves and can imagine themselves and don't have to feel like outsiders."

'I don't really think about the naysayers'

Bailey also previously addressed the negative comments on her casting. "I don't really think about the naysayers. I just think about the people that are positive and lift me up," she said. The 23-year-old added, "It's exceptional to be able to see a figure that you look up to that also looks like your auntie or your sister. When I was able to see them, I felt like I was worthy. Now that I'm on posters and inspiring these little girls that come up to me, it's very surreal. I just want to continue making them proud of me."