Culture

Disney Jr. is ready to dive under the sea with its upcoming series, Disney Jr.’s Ariel, taking the curious and lively mermaid princess on a series of animated adventures that fans have never experienced before.

Set in the Caribbean-inspired fairytale kingdom of Atlantica, the series follows young Ariel (Mykal-Michelle Harris) as she embarks on underwater fun with her family and friends, including King Triton (Taye Diggs), Ursula (Amber Riley), Flounder (Gracen Newton) and mermaid friends Fernie (Cruz Flateau) and Lucia (Elizabeth Phoenix Caro).

“I can’t even begin to tell you the enthusiasm in our workspace about putting this show together,” the series’ executive producer Lynne Southerland tells Billboard. “Everyone is really bringing their A-game. We all feel really honored to be moving the magic Ariel into a new space, a new way of seeing her and a new audience.”

As to how this version of Ariel differs from the princess seen in the original 1989 film and the sub-sequent 2023 live-action film, Southerland says that the Disney Jr. mermaid is young but sure of herself. “It was very important to me that Ariel exudes a sense of personal agency, that she already kind of knows who she is at eight years old and we’re just watching her continue to grow and expand that sense of self,” she says. “We started with a core element of Ariel, which is her beautiful voice — but what are the many ways that voice expresses? How we communicate with others, how we express our dreams, how we can express ourselves when we make a mistake. To show her as a full character who is able to speak out rather than be closed up, that was really principal to this character.”

Harris, the 12-year-old actress who plays Ariel in the show, agrees, adding that she was encouraged to put her own spin on the character. “In this version, we’re seeing Ariel younger than we’ve ever seen her before, so it was important for me to add some qualities that she might have had when she was younger,” she explains. “A few qualities that I brought into this version of Ariel was her love of singing, of course, and also she was definitely an empath in the feature films. She is also just a really curious, excited person that always wants to explore the world around her.”

She continues, “It’s such a dream come true, playing the role of Ariel. It’s just so fulfilling, because I’ve always loved Disney princesses. I mean, who doesn’t? I always loved to watch Ariel, Elsa and Anna, Aladdin — all those classic Disney stories. I always wished to be Disney princess when I grow up, and now I actually am! My wish came true!”

Another crucial element of Disney Jr.’s Ariel is the protagonist’s relationship with her father, King Triton. “It’s not often that we get to see Black fathers in strong roles,” Southerland says. “There can be a perception of Black fathers as being stern. It was really important that Triton, despite being king, when he’s with his kids he’s just a dad who understands and loves his children and want the best for them.”

Diggs, a father himself who plays the underwater king, adds, “I love that he listens to his child. It sounds very simple, but you’d be surprised how many parents think that it’s their job to talk at their kid instead of listening to them. He’s the kind of father who listens and that’s the kind of father I’m striving to be.”

To conclude, Harris chimes in with what she hopes young viewers will gain from watching the new series. “It’s OK to be yourself. It’s OK to love who you are, it’s OK to like what you like, and I think Ariel really shows that,” she says. “There’s so much diversity and inclusion in this series, that you’ll definitely be able to see yourself in one of the characters.”

In addition to the Disney Jr.’s Ariel premiere episode airing June 27 on Disney Junior and later on Disney Channel, an initial batch of eight episodes will be available on Disney+ the following day (Friday, June 28). Plus, a new series of two-minute shorts, called Disney Jr.’s Ariel: Mermaid Tales, were previously featured across Disney+, Disney Channel and Disney Jr. beginning earlier this month, to build excitement around the new show.

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