According to Variety, Disney Junior will air an animated series “Ariel” inspired by the 2023 live-action “The Little Mermaid” movie.

A promotional image for the upcoming series Ariel depicts the titular mermaid with dark brown skin and red dreadlocks, mirroring the depiction of the 2023 film. I got it. (Related: NYT critic laments lack of ‘kinks’ in ‘The Little Mermaid’ remake)

The announcement came on the heels of the moderately rated live-action film The Little Mermaid. review and a disappointing box office Return value. The live-action adaptation of the popular fairy tale received backlash for casting a black actress in the lead role of the white-skinned, red-haired mermaid Ariel.The film struggled overseas, especially in the Asian market. like that China and South Korea, CNN reported.The film’s conflict caused several causes commentator To accuse moviegoers of anti-black racism.

Disney Branded Television has greenlit a series inspired by Disney Junior’s Ariel, Ariel at Disney Junior. # Little Mermaid.

🔗: https://t.co/Xd8n3AIdnF pic.twitter.com/JQhpG7buRe

— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) June 13, 2023

Lead actress Halle Bailey said she was not surprised by the alleged racist backlash in the weeks leading up to the film’s release. “I wasn’t surprised by the racism. It’s a little disappointing, but it always happens. I didn’t let it affect me and just focused on the positive reaction I was getting,” Bailey told Rolling Stone. told to report.

Ayo Davis, President of Disney Branded Television announced According to Variety magazine, the new series was announced at the Annecy Animation Festival.

“For more than 30 years, audiences around the world have loved the story of The Little Mermaid, and we are thrilled to introduce the new Disney Junior version of Ariel to preschoolers around the world,” said Davis. Said.