Disney's animated movies didn't take long to gain popularity worldwide, and are still appreciated to this day. But soon the studio decided to shift the focus to creating live-action remakes of its nostalgic classic movies in the early-2010s. Currently, there are a lot of remakes either released or under development, and it seems like Disney isn't going to stop making them. The Little Mermaid is one such remake starring Halle Bailey that made its way to the big screen in May 2023. The film has already been released in cinemas and has elicited both positive and negative reactions from audiences and critics. While some feel the film is visually appealing, features a great performance by Bailey, and has great soundtracks, the rest feel the movie has nothing new to offer in terms of plot, and the scenes feel stretched.
Prior to its release, The Little Mermaid faced racist backlash for casting Bailey as Ariel. Despite all the criticism, the actress has, in many interviews, expressed her gratitude towards the film and chosen not to focus on negativity. Ariel, a beloved mermaid, is known for her curiosity, determination, and bravery. She went to great lengths for what she wanted, overcame every obstacle, and made sacrifices for her loved ones.
What's more, Ariel is the youngest daughter of the monarchs of Atlantica, King Triton and Queen Athena. The Little Mermaid film also stars her six sisters, embodying different oceans and cultures. The 2023 film gave them new, beautiful names instead of sticking with the originals. Let's find out which actresses played the multicultural sisters in the live-action version.
Simone Ashley as Indira
Simone Ashley is popularly known for her work in Netflix's top shows like Bridgerton and Sex Education. She made her acting debut in 2016 in two episodes of a CBBC drama named Wolfblood. She gained immense fame by playing Lady Kate in Netflix’s romantic period drama series. In The Little Mermaid, the 28-year-old actress takes on the role of Princess Indira, inspired by Alana from the animated film. She represents the Brinedive Sea and is the second-oldest child of her parents.
Indira is a bright-yellow mermaid, representing the warm and sunny ocean. But what makes her similar to Princess Alana? Even though the two mermaids might not look similar in terms of appearance, one thing they have in common is generosity. Alana's character might look self-obsessed and passionate about beauty, but she is a good mermaid with no selfishness and isn’t arrogant toward others. Ashley's character is also kind, intelligent, and diplomatic. She hates humans just like her father does. Everyone in her kingdom greets each other by waving fins.
Karolina Conchet as Mala
Karolina Conchet is a master of various talents. The actress has explored various industries like acting, art, and modeling throughout her career. She started her acting career with a 2014 film titled Valentin Valentin. She has been a part of several TV commercials, short films, and TV series. In an interview with Revamp, Conchet said she grew up watching The Little Mermaid and adoring its beauty. She expressed her appreciation for getting to play one of Ariel's sisters, adding that it was like a dream come true for her. She takes on the role of Princess Mala, the ruler of the Chaine Sea.
Mala is regarded as one of the fearless mermaids, and just like her bossy animated self, Attina, has a leader-like personality and is the eldest sister of Ariel. According to Conchet, the seven actresses playing the sisters developed a sisterly bond quite quickly following the casting callbacks. She revealed that they "didn't push or try to get close" to one another; instead, they grew closer naturally.
Sienna King as Tamika
Sienna King is recognized for her work in the short film industry. She has appeared in various films, including Sunday Dinner, Love Locs, and Utopic Dystopia. The Little Mermaid will be her first major debut in the film industry. In addition to films, she has also been a finalist in season one of The Face of the U.K. Known as the ruler of the Fracus Sea, Tamika is described as having a strong, fierce, and graceful personality. She replaces Aquata in the 2023 film and is the fourth daughter of her parents.
Tamika's appearance seems quite familiar to Aquata when it comes to colors, as she is a blue mermaid too. In the original animated film, she was the oldest and used to be nervous about taking on the queen's mantle in the future. Although her character loved rock n' roll music, she was embarrassed to dance in front of everyone. Tamika's kingdom represents clear water, fish, and corals. The animated version of Aquata was voiced by Mona Marshall.
Nathalie Sorrell as Caspia
Nathalie Sorrell portrays the role of Caspia, the counterpart of Adella, in The Little Mermaid. She is the third sibling, and reigns over the inland region between Euporia and Saas called the Apneic Sea. In the animated version, she represents the Mediterranean Sea. Caspia appears to be a blue mermaid, as opposed to her yellowish and green color scheme in the animated film. Adella is desperate for boys and likes talking about them.
Caspia's personality stands out from the rest of the sisters. She tends to be a bit antisocial and only goes out for meetings. Born and brought up in England, Sorrell has worked in the 2007 drama-comedy film Hotel Very Welcome. The film was directed by Sonja Heiss. After almost a decade, she made her debut in the 2023 Disney movie.
Kajsa Mohammar as Karina
Kajsa Mohammar studied acting in her college years and made her acting debut in Endeavour, a 2017 drama series. Initially, she also had a successful modeling career. Later, she appeared in her first feature film, Viking Destiny, directed by David L.G. Hughes. The Little Mermaid actress' other works also include Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of the Fire Saga, Misbehavior, and Savage. In the film, she replaces the character of Arista, the youngest and fifth daughter of King Triton and Queen Athena.
She is the ruler of the Saithe Sea and has a minor role in the film. According to The Little Mermaid: A Guide to Merfolk, she is described as "the most decisive of her sisters with strong intuition." The facets of Aquata's personality have been explored in various films and TV shows like quarreling with Aquata, jealousy of Ariel's adventures, and not knowing what a pet peeve is. In one of the interviews, Mohammar reveals that the onscreen sisters became a family during the pandemic times, as they had no other social contact at that time.
Lorena Andrea as Perla
Based on the character Andrina from the animated classics, Perla is the ruler of the Piton Sea. Lorena Andrea is a British actress renowned for her work in short films as well as featured films including Lia, House on Elm Lake, Infamous Six, Unhinged, Lithium, and so on. Additionally, she has also portrayed the role of Sister Lilith in the Netflix series Warrior Nun. Ahead of her professional acting career, she also took acting classes and was a part of two stage shows, Justice and Coming Out.
Perla brings her charismatic personality wherever she goes. Even her counterpart is considered witty and lively. Andrina's character made an appearance in films and TV series based on The Little Mermaid. She is also the first to learn about the whirlwind romance between Prince Eric and Ariel. The 29-year-old actress has often expressed her gratitude for being included in the live-action remake.
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