'Disney Jr.’s Ariel' Cast Talks About What Makes the Show So Special Ahead of Its Premiere
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The actors say family is what fuels the magic behind their characters.
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Fact checked by Sarah ScottFact checked by Sarah ScottThe highly-anticipated new animated children's show Disney Jr.’s Ariel is set to debut on Thursday, June 27 on Disney Jr. and the next day on Disney+. Inspired by the classic favorite, The Little Mermaid, Disney Junior's Ariel is an animated musical for young audiences.Executive produced by Lynne Southerland (Monster High, Enchantimals, Ariel: Mermaid Tales), this enchanting new series places Atlantica in an authentic Caribbean-inspired setting and features an ethnically and culturally diverse cast.The lead voice cast stars Mykal-Michelle Harris (Mixed-ish, Cheaper by the Dozen, Disney Channel’s Raven’s Home) as Ariel and Taye Diggs (Rent, All American, Ada Twist Scientist) and Amber Riley (Glee, The Little Mermaid Live!, The Wiz Live!) as King Triton and Ursula.The series features a musical element in every episode, all while showcasing growth mindset themes and highlighting practical life lessons for kids. As Ariel, Flounder (Gracen Newton), and her merfriends, Lucia (Elizabeth Phoenix Caro) and Fernie (Cruz Flateau) make discoveries and overcome obstacles, kids are enveloped in a beautiful, whimsical world under the sea that is filled with many wondrous adventures.Parents recently spoke with the cast of the series about ways to empower kids to take positive risks, how the show teaches younger audiences about empathy and friendship, and the benefits of ethnically authentic casting.
Taye Diggs Sees a Lot of Himself in King TritonWhen speaking on how fatherhood has changed how he navigates his acting career, Taye Diggs, makes it clear that his son is his priority.“I don't take jobs that take me away from my son," he says. "I really enjoy playing [King Triton] because it's fun to compare what this character is going through with what I'm going through as a real parent.” "It's very important for young people to be exposed to as much as possible because they're able to understand that there are other things more important than them."Taye Diggs
Diggs says he sees many similarities between King Triton and himself."As far as I'm concerned, I am Triton, and Triton is me. This role is a little bit easier because I love that he has certain standards. I love that he loves his child and that he's not scared to accept the fact that he has other responsibilities along with his child and that there are difficulties."Diggs also credits Disney for putting characters into difficult situations so that viewers can see them work through real problems.With this new animated series centering themes of curiosity, adventure, and friendship, Diggs readily offered inspiration and encouragement to parents on ways to foster an adventurous spirit like Ariel has."I try to remind myself that when I'm raising my kid, this is a brand new experience, and to be open," he shares.Emphasizing that listening is just as important as teaching, Diggs adds, "Usually whatever my son has to say will lend itself to a greater discussion or, my son will come to a realization himself. But when you're trying to be a parent and you 'talk at' your kid, I think you are losing out on opportunities.” On the show’s deliberate casting of an authentic ethnically diverse voice cast, Diggs agrees showcasing ethnic and cultural diversity early on has its benefits.“It's a fact that if you expose your child to different things, they'll be better off than if you don't," he points out. "It's very important for young people to be exposed to as much as possible because they're able to understand that there are other things more important than them.”
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Playing Ariel is About Setting a Positive ExampleWhen thinking about who inspired her to show up as the best version of herself to play the role of Ariel, 12-year-old Mykal-Michelle Harris points to Halle Bailey, who played Ariel in the live-action version of The Little Mermaid. “I was inspired [especially by] Ms. Halle Bailey because she really embodied the character and made it her own," says Harris. "I feel like it is so important for me to do that as well while I'm playing Ariel."But Harris also says there's someone else very important who inspires her."My mom has always been there helping me, and supporting me [as well]. When I first started acting, I couldn't even read yet, because I was three. She was the one that helped me learn my lines and gave me set etiquette,” she explains. On what she enjoys most about playing Ariel, Harris highlights the character's passion for singing to express her emotions, as that's something Harris loves to do as well.
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As a child actor, Harris understands the characters she plays carry influence. When asked what she and other kids can learn from the show's main character, Harris says, “I think that Ariel really teaches us that it's okay to be who you are. It's okay to forge your own path, and to like the things you like.”Like Ariel, Harris also values friendship and encouraging others through kindness.“Ariel really shows that there is so much more of a benefit to being a friend instead of being a bully," she points out. “[Ariel shows viewers] how to make friends and why [friendship] is like a cornerstone to being happy, excited, and joyful.”
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Watching an Actor Embody the Character is MagicalExecutive producer Lynne Southerland has always loved the art of storytelling and writing. She says genuine casting, like crafting a story, is also an art form.“I think I heard Taye talking about this at one point–that voice acting is very different from live-action acting, where you get to use your body and your face and your eyes," Southerland says. "When you turn off the camera, and it's just a voice, you have to exude so much through every word, and emotion.”Amid so much acting talent, Southerland says finding someone who can fully become the character is the goal when casting a role.“What we're looking for at any given time in any role, is how that person can fully embody how we imagine them as the character," she says. "And if we're really lucky, we might even go, ‘Oh my God, I didn't even think this character could be as dynamic as we hoped.” When searching for the right people to fill the roles for Disney Junior's Ariel, Southerland says she knew right away when she felt the character in the room with her."[Mykal-Michelle] embodied what I wanted Ariel to be, which is someone who speaks with a real directness and a sense of agency–and, yet is imaginative and full of dreams and wanting to be adventurous. I felt like I could hear all that in Mykal-Michelle's audition. When I met her, I saw that that's who she is as a human being,” Southerland explains. For more Parents news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Parents.
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