Dear white people, Tinkerbell nor Ariel are white women… one is a fairy and the other is a fictional fish. The crazy thing about this is that these racists seriously are ignorant to the point that they’re willing to pretend as though these FICTIONAL characters, who in reality are not exclusive to any race, just mean to much to them that just can’t bear seeing them any different. Well, close your eyes.
For years now, Disney has been reimagining animated childhood classic films into live-action stories starring some of our favourite actors. It all began in 2010 with Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, and since then we’ve seen other tales like Cinderella, Dumbo, and The Lion King brought to life. More recently, we’ve seen Cruella and Pinocchio, and in the coming months, both Peter Pan & Wendy and The Little Mermaid will be hitting theatres.
To the surprise of many producers made the creative decision to cast Black women in roles traditionally characterized by white features. Halle Bailey was cast as Ariel to take us under the sea this May, and Yara Shahidi was tapped to bring Tinkerbell to life in the upcoming magical movie. On Tuesday (February) 28, Disney finally dropped off the trailer, giving audiences their first look at the 23-year-old in character.
Due out at the end of April, the project follows a free-spirited Peter Pan as he whisks away his new friend Wendy to his home of Neverland. While there, the young girl faces no fears of growing up, much like her unique, green-outfitted companion. Much like in the animated original, we’ll see adventures with mermaids, pirates, and fairies along their journey.
As Variety notes, Peter Pan & Wendy was first teased at the D23 Expo last September. It was directed by David Lowery, and sees Alexander Molony and Ever Anderton in the leading titular roles. Fans are also excited to see Jude Law’s performance as he brings the villainous Captain Hook to life. What the internet seems to be debating about, though, is Shahidi’s casting.
“So instead of giving POC their own movies or making new movies with POC characters, they decided to just make white characters Black for some reason?” one Twitter user asked earlier today, pointing out that The Princess and the Frog is the only Disney project with a royal Black lead. “Who’s rooting for Paris Hilton to play Pocahontas? Come on guys,” someone else joked.
While the hate is obviously running rampant, there are still plenty rightfully coming to Shahidi’s defense. “‘Tinkerbell isn’t black’ and fairies aren’t fucking real so now what?” one of them expertly shut down the online trolls. Take a look at some of the reactions to Yara Shahidi bringing the first Black Tinkerbell to life and let us know your thoughts.
“Tinkerbell isnt black” and fairies aren’t fucking real so now what https://t.co/7IxhfcG2nZ
— TEE SNOW (@STALLlONAIRE) February 28, 2023
So instead of giving poc their own movies or making new movies with poc characters, they decided to just make white characters black for some reason to be like heey we are so accepting we support everyone.. this is so weird, other then princess and the frog there isnt any other
— Flo💬 (@scarletWitch729) February 28, 2023
Who’s rooting for Paris Hilton to play Pocahontas? Come on guys
— Gambito (@Gambitoo90) February 28, 2023
Tinkerbell is a fictional fairy. https://t.co/aBhkRIE4v4
— Lexi 🇯🇲 (new acc) (@lexisvexi) February 28, 2023
to show people like you that not everyone will look like you & that's okay
— 𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗻𝘆🫧💚 (@beyoncegarden) February 28, 2023
Tinkerbell and Princess Ariel.
Yara Shahidi and Halle Bailey are doing it for black girls😍 pic.twitter.com/7BiHKjTMVF
— Lucidfaders (@lucidfaders) February 28, 2023
White people being mad that Tinker Bell is black and not white is a great way to end Black History Month. #TinkerBell pic.twitter.com/Deg1mot8Bi
— Cha-Cha DiGregorio 💃🏾 (@MessyMyles) February 28, 2023
Tinkerbell is a fairy, a character whose race isn't significant to her plot at all but of course grown ass crackers are losing it. I get so sick of you bleached orangutans wallah. The way black people don't care when any other race plays black characters but y'all lose your minds https://t.co/ZLvThFtx26
— MISTY 🪞⁷ (@Sukuna_134340) February 28, 2023