The Little Mermaid Trailer Has Little Black Girls So Excited, and the Videos Are Heartwarming

Disney has struck publicity gold with its first teaser trailer for Rob Marshall’s upcoming live-action remake of the 1989 movie musical The Little Mermaid. In the short clip, viewers are taken underwater, where Ariel, played by Halle Bailey, sings a snippet of “Part of Your World.”

For most of us, Bailey’s casting isn’t news. She’s a talented young singer and she was announced as the star of the movie a full three years ago. But for little kids who don’t read Deadline, the idea of a Black Ariel has to be seen to be understood, and after the trailer was released, parents started filming their kids’ reactions. Young Black girls, in particular, get so surprised and excited when Bailey comes onscreen, thrilled to see a Disney princess who looks like them. It’s a beautiful reminder that these movies are for kids, not adults who enjoy debating the merits of remakes. I mean, try not to smile watching these!