"Walt Disney Studios has found much success with their live-action adaptations of their classic animated films grossing over $4.5 billion at the worldwide box office. So it should come as no surprise that Disney is hard at work on a live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid. As memorable as the characters are from the animated film, Disney maybe going a new route with new film.

Our source close to the production has informed us that Disney is looking at people of color for various roles including Ariel, Eric, and Triton.

A name that Disney at one point had interest in is Keke Palmer, however it is not known if Disney had any form of discussions with Palmer or if it was merely interest. Another name floating around the studio is indeed Zendaya.

We do know that Ariana Grande which is a popular name amongst many fan casts, is not being considered at the moment.

It should be noted that Disney is considering a bunch of actors for various roles, so whether or not they go with POC, one thing is certain, we will start hearing some news very soon!

Alan Menken and Lin-Manuel Miranda will team up to compose the music for the film, as well as add new songs to the film.

Mary Poppins Returns director Rob Marshall is set to helm the film, from a script by Jane Goldman (X-Men: Days Of Future Past).

Production on The Little Mermaid is expected to take place in Puerto Rico and Cape Town Africa. As of right now there is no release date for the film."

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I can't think of any reasons why they shouldn't be considered and be able to audition for the roles fairly and squarely. And my support will go to the people that I truly believe have the talent to play the roles, regardless of their skin colour. I'm really not into the whole "the actors should look like the animated characters" vision that I feel many Disney fans have, and it's not like skin colour even comes into this particular story! After all, I don't recall Ariel or Eric ever being described as having "skin as white as snow". XD

Not sure about this, the idea of using non white peoples to portray white characters feels a bit unconventional and it makes the characters are less likely the original one, but in other side I don't find any reason why they shouldn't cast non white peoples. The character's race actually isn't really matter on the whole Little Mermaid story.

Also replying to PrueFever's statement, I already predict if Ariana Grande won't even included on their consideration for the role of Ariel. Not sure why she often being most favorite fan cast of Ariel, yes she has great voice but her acting is kinda decent.

Not that bad

I honestly don't mind, especially if it's a colorblind cast. However, if they cast Zendaya as Ariel, I will REFUSE to see the movie. She's an absolutely HORRIBLE choice for... well, any role in any movie or show. She's one of the worst actresses out there. But I've complained about that enough on my poll on the Disney Princess club.