Disney’s live-action remake of “The Little Mermaid” had its world premiere on May 8, 2023, in Hollywood, California. Among the guests were singer Eric Benét and his wife Manuela Testolini, who attended with their daughters, Lucia, 12, and Amoura, 9.
“We had lots of fun at the @disney premiere for #thelittlemermaid. What a gift for beautiful brown girls to see someone that looks like them on the big screen,” Manuela wrote on Instagram, expressing her excitement about seeing representation for young girls who look like her daughters.
Eric Benét was also full of praise for the film, stating that he loved it, especially for its emphasis on inclusion. With the diverse cast featuring Halle Bailey as Ariel, the representation of different ethnicities and cultures has been highly anticipated by audiences around the world.
The story of “The Little Mermaid” follows Ariel, a curious young mermaid who is fascinated by the human world. She strikes a deal with the sea witch, Ursula, to become human for three days in exchange for her voice. During her time on land, she falls in love with a handsome prince and must find a way to win his heart before her time runs out.
The original animated film was released in 1989 and has since become a beloved classic. The live-action remake promises to offer a fresh perspective on the story while retaining the charm and magic that made the original so popular.
“The Little Mermaid” will hit theaters on May 26, 2023.
