The Ethical Franchising Challenge: Halle Bailey and the Cultural Context of Cleopatra

The debate surrounding Halle Bailey as the new Little Mermaid extends beyond just changes in portrayal; it touches upon the broader issue of cultural representation in modern film franchises. This discussion sheds light on the historical context and the ethical considerations when adapting classic works into new live-action movies.

Historical Context and Modern Adaptations

The casting of Halle Bailey in the role of Ariel is a significant shift from the original concept of the character. Halle Bailey is an African-American actress, and this shift represents a move towards more diverse casting in children's entertainment. However, it is crucial to understand the historical and cultural context behind these adaptations.

Cleopatra, center stage in another ongoing debate, has also been portrayed in films by primarily white actresses. Unlike the Little Mermaid, Cleopatra was originally portrayed in Greek art and culture. Whileensp;the Little Mermaid has been reimagined and rebranded for a younger audience through merchandise, Cleopatra's representation was not as mass-produced. This difference can be seen as a key factor in the different reactions to these casting choices.

Free Rein vs. Remake Boundaries

When an adaptation is a new take on an existing story, as with Cleopatra in films, creators have a larger degree of artistic freedom. The organization behind such a production can choose to modernize or diversify the cast while respecting the original story. However, when a franchise remakes a beloved classic, there is a moral obligation to stay true to the original characters and fan base.

The merchandising and iconography of characters like Ariel are also a substantial part of the debate. Ariel, with her iconic red hair, white skin, and blue eyes, dominates countless products, from tea sets to jewelry. This widespread distribution has created a deeply ingrained visual representation that viewers have come to expect and associate with the character.

Old Hollywood vs. Modern Practices

The ethics of race swapping in older Hollywood productions were often influenced by economic and social factors. Back then, there were fewer trained actors of color, and race swapping was an imperfect method of including more diverse representation. However, in contemporary times, the lack of valid excuses for such practices is a point of contention.

While older films often included race swapping, modern adaptations should strive for authenticity and respect for the original characters. This is especially true for beloved franchises, as they hold significant cultural weight. For instance, in the case of Cleopatra, if a live-action adaptation were to remade with a white character, the backlash would be significant.

Case Studies and Examples

Take, for example, the casting of Kiera Knightley in the role of Guinevere, a character from the Arthurian legends. Guinevere was originally a Nordic-looking character in the myth, but Knightley played a different version of the character. The entire movie was a unique retelling, and the casting did not cause widespread controversy.

On the other hand, if a live-action adaptation of Cleopatra were to feature Taylor Swift, and all they did was alter her hair color and style without any attempt to match the historical or cultural appearance, it would be a far cry from the original. This would result in a mutilated and compromised version of the iconic figure.

For a black-identifying woman to play Cleopatra, the casting needs to be respectful of her heritage. If the actress looks authentically Greek, it would show a level of authenticity and respect. However, casting someone from South Sudan would be problematic, as it would be a disrespectful and ignorant choice without any cultural connection to the character.

The character of Nefertiti, another historical figure, presents a unique challenge. While there is no definitive depiction of her appearance, choosing an actress who represents her accurately and respectfully would be crucial. However, the ultimate discussion is not focused on Nefertiti but on the broader impact of these casting choices on cultural representation in modern film.

In conclusion, the debate around Halle Bailey as the new Little Mermaid and the casting of Cleopatra highlights the ongoing struggle to balance artistic freedom with cultural authenticity. While modern audiences demand diversity, they also demand respect and accuracy in representation. This ethical challenge is crucial for the film industry to navigate in a way that both honors the past and embraces the future.