Atlanta family’s video of young Black daughters reacting to “The Little Mermaid” trailer goes viral

There has been some criticism toward Disney for casting a Black lead when Ariel was white in the original animated movie. But sweet reactions from little girls around the world seeing a black Ariel once again proves that representation matters.

It’s the excitement from his girls that Atlanta dad William Fleming says fills his heart.

“I’m a sucker for them reacting to anything, it can be the littlest of things,” he told Channel 2′s Heather Catlin. “But to see them react to this and see other young Black girls around the country react the same way, it definitely touched us.”

Fleming’s wife filmed their two daughters, 4-year-old McKenzie and 2-year-old Riley, as they watched in amazement.

The video posted on TikTok has been viewed over 2 million times and has 372,000. It even got the attention of Bailey, who grew up in Atlanta with her sister Chlöe.

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Fleming told Catlin that he knows historically that Disney princesses have not looked like his daughters. He appreciates Disney providing a real-life example that his daughters can accomplish anything they dream about.

“I have a huge heart and just appreciate Disney so much for taking a chance to say hey diversity matters and we’re going to show it,” Fleming said.

The film’s director Rob Marshall says it was important to honor the original while also bringing some depth to the new film.

The movie will also feature four brand new songs from the original composer Alan Menken with help from Lin Manuel Miranda.

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