Director Rob Marshall said Bailey had been cast after an “extensive search” and possesses the “rare combination of spirit, heart, youth, innocence, and substance” needed to play the role.

Naturally, the announcement provoked cries of delight from some quarters and wails of dismay from others. Fans of the decision felt it was a big win for diversity, while critics argued that the remake should stay true to the 1989 original — in which Ariel, most will remember, was in fact a, blue-eyed and red-haired white girl — or mermaid, to be exact.