June 24th 2024.
The magical world of Atlantica is coming to life in a whole new way for Disney Jr. viewers, thanks to the talented voices of Taye Diggs and Amber Riley. Inspired by the beloved film The Little Mermaid, Disney Jr.'s Ariel is an animated musical series that will debut on June 27th on Disney Jr., followed by its release on Disney+ the next day. Designed specifically for young audiences, this delightful show is filled with music, adventure, and lessons on community, self-expression, curiosity, and resourcefulness.
For the first time ever, kids will get to see a young version of the mermaid princess Ariel as she explores her underwater world with her friends in the vibrant and Caribbean-inspired kingdom of Atlantica. Geared towards preschoolers and their families, each episode features two 11-minute stories that not only entertain but also teach important values.
Following the footsteps of Halle Bailey, who will portray Ariel in the upcoming live-action remake of The Little Mermaid in 2023, this series also celebrates Caribbean culture through its music, food, festivals, fashion, language, and folklore. It's a beautiful and inclusive representation of diversity and representation in mainstream entertainment.
Recently, BLACK ENTERPRISE had the opportunity to chat with some of the cast members, including Taye Diggs, who voices King Triton, and Harris, who plays the youngest version of Ariel ever seen. Unfortunately, Amber Riley was unable to join the discussion, but she will bring a new and friendlier version of the sea witch Ursula to life in the show.
At just 12-years-old, Harris is thrilled to be part of the Disney princess team and voice a unique version of Ariel. "I am beyond excited to play Ariel," she shares with BE. "Of course, there is a bit of pressure since so many incredible people have voiced her before, but I also like to put my own spin on things. This version of Ariel is eight years old, and we've never seen her this young before. So it was fun to do some research and imagine how she would sound and act at this age."
For Diggs, voice acting is not new, as he has lent his voice to various animated projects like My Little Pony: The Movie, Doc McStuffins, and The Super Hero Squad Show, where he played T'Challa/Black Panther. However, being part of a diverse cast like Disney Jr.'s Ariel is a reminder of how far we have come with inclusion in mainstream media. "In a time where we often hear about the difficulties and challenges we face, this project has lifted me up in so many ways and shown me that as a society, we are moving forward," Diggs shares.
He goes on to explain how just ten years ago, it would have been unheard of to have a project that takes a beloved fairy tale, changes the casting, and turns it into a TV show that is even more relatable to a diverse audience. But now, he feels honored and grateful to be a part of it, and it shows that we are moving in the right direction as a society.
Make sure to mark your calendars for the premiere of Disney Jr.'s Ariel on June 27th on Disney Jr. and June 28th on Disney+. And don't forget to watch the full interviews with the cast and crew for more insight into this exciting project. Also, keep an eye out for the new ride "Tiana's Bayou Adventure," which will be replacing Disney's Splash Mountain and is set to open this month. It's another example of Disney's commitment to diversity and inclusion in their storytelling.
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