Disney’s live-action remakes have just included “The Little Mermaid,” a beloved film released in 1989, to its lineup. In recent years, Walt Disney Studios has been creating live-action versions of traditionally animated films like “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Lion King” and “Aladdin.” This practice alone has caused people around the world to despise these new interpretations, believing it to be an easy cash grab that manipulates the nostalgia of viewers.

Now, “The Little Mermaid” has been the latest to undergo a transformation and is set to be released in theaters this month. Ever since the new film began production, backlash has sprouted across social media due to the casting. When Halle Bailey, a young African-American actress, was cast people criticized the change. Many voiced their frustration for “race-bending” the Disney princess and for changing too much of the original story. However, supporters of this new adaptation commend the diverse casting and Disney’s attempt to make their film more inclusive.

The movie continued to draw criticism when the official trailer premiered online. When viewers first saw the new CGI versions of the beloved Flounder and Sebastian, social media lit up with negative reactions. Many were incredibly disappointed with the fish and crab appearing lifeless and even somewhat terrifying. Comparing it to the 2019 “The Lion King”, social media users complained that Disney needs to return the life and emotion back into these characters.

Despite the major controversies surrounding the film, Disney has decided to stick with its decisions. Only time will tell how these changes will impact the success of the film.