Question 1

Is The Little Mermaid woke?

Accepted Answer

The Little Mermaid has a woke score of 68/100, which means it is mixed, with noticeable woke elements. This 2023 live-action Disney remake of the 1989 animated film centers on the classic Andersen-derived plot of Ariel's deal with Ursula for human legs and true love, with only minor deviations such as making Scuttle female and adding a new adoptive mother character for Eric. Confirmed casting changes (Halle Bailey as Ariel) and creator statements framing the project around Black representation and updated female independence themes created a clearly noticeable emphasis, amplified by marketing and public debate. The core story remains family fantasy romance without explicit activist dialogue or institutional critique, but legacy canon alterations and backlash made representation the dominant audience-visible element.

Question 2

Is there DEI in The Little Mermaid?

Accepted Answer

The biggest factors in our score are Anti-woke backlash / 'too woke' complaints, Representation / casting choices, Legacy character or canon changes. The youngest of King Triton’s daughters, and the most defiant, Ariel longs to find out more about the world beyond the sea, and while visiting the surface, falls for the dashing Prince Eric. With mermaids forbidden to interact with humans, Ariel makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, which gives her a chance to experience life on land, but ultimately places her life – and her father’s crown – in jeopardy.

The Little Mermaid

Factors & Ratings

Summary

Main Cast

Director & Crew