Yara Shahidi, the Black-ish and Grown-ish star is adding yet another impressive line to add to her growning résumé and it’s not only a win for her, but also a win in the category of representation.
Shahidi has been revealed to be playing classic Tinkerbell character in Disney’s live-action version of Peter Pan. On September 25, the Twitter account for Grown-ish shared the major casting news for the upcoming Peter Pan and Wendy movie. “Sprinkle that fairy dust all over this news,” they tweeted. “@YaraShahidi as Tinkerbell in @disney’s upcoming live-action #PeterPanandWendy.”
sprinkle that fairy dust all around this news. our girl @YaraShahidi as tinkerbell in @disney’s upcoming live-action #peterpanandwendy. pic.twitter.com/Xa7muBRVka
— grown-ish (@grownish) September 25, 2020
Within hours of the announcement, socia media users were posting fan art of Shahidi and celebratory messages. With Chloe x Halle’s Halle Bailey cast as Ariel in the Little Mermaid remake, many on Twitter are excited to see more diverse representation in the Disney catalog. “We’re getting Yara Shahidi as Tinkerbell AND Halle Bailey as Ariel???? THIS IS WHAT I LIKE TO SEE,” one user wrote. “Black women: WINNING. Racists: mad.”
There were also, of course, plenty of people asking why Disney continues to remake its own classics, which is a valid question…but back to Yara Shahidi! Besides the creative team and cast, which includes Jude Law as Captain Hook, not much is known about the project. For instance, will Tinkerbell talk in this version, or will Shahidi play the role through attitude alone, like her cartoon counterpart? Either way, I’m here for it.
Shahidi herself also confirmed her role in the project by sharing a photo of the animated version of the character with a simple thank you message to fans. “Thank you for all of the love. It, truly, means so much to me 💕🧚🏽♂️ I’m excited for this next adventure!”
Are you here for this? Take a look at some of the reactions below:
we’re getting yara shahidi as tinkerbell AND halle bailey as ariel???? THIS IS WHAT I LIKE TO SEE 😌☝🏽
black women: WINNING.
racists: mad. pic.twitter.com/SJEwLQmZFU— y ✿ (@softlydayas) September 25, 2020
Halle Bailey as Ariel & Yara Shahidi as Tinkerbell are the live-actions I didn't know I needed pic.twitter.com/thNNpR3xsI
— 𝐑 ᴺᴹ (@STALLIMINAJ) September 25, 2020
yara shahidi as tinkerbell , just look !!! pic.twitter.com/6NitGzVBCr
— emo | brie's gf (@marvelsbian) September 25, 2020
Black representation we LOVE to see it. She’s gonna do so well playing her
— yoimchris (@fromthatstate) September 25, 2020
She will be a great Tinkerbell! So beautiful, sweet and has that cute little sass we love about Tink! 🥰💚 I'm so excited for this film! 😍 But I lowkey wanna see all the fairies from the Tinkerbell franchise in a live action film can we please make that happen @Disney
— Cassidy King (@ayye_its_cass) September 26, 2020
