Sean Bailey is the creative force behind Disney’s live-action remakes, taking on the responsibility of reimagining beloved animated classics such as “The Little Mermaid.” His role places him at the epicenter of a polarizing landscape, where the clash of opinions and ideologies is ever-present.
For more than a decade, Bailey has deftly managed Disney’s animated film “reimagining” factory, yielding remarkable results that have surpassed expectations. The live-action adaptation of “Aladdin” soared to a box office collection of $1.1 billion, while the photorealistic rendition of “The Lion King” roared with a staggering $1.7 billion. Not to be outdone, the live-action version of “Beauty and the Beast” enchanted audiences and garnered an impressive $1.3 billion. Beyond the financial success, Disney recognizes Bailey’s remakes as a vital component of remaining relevant in an evolving entertainment landscape. While Disney’s animated classics hold a cherished place in the hearts of fans, they often reflect outdated gender roles, perpetuating the idea that girls should simply be pretty to find happiness.
Bailey’s reimaginings aim to breathe new life into these stories, making them less retrograde and more empowering. His approach emphasizes the empowerment of heroines and the inclusion of diverse casting. A prime example is the upcoming live-action “Snow White” adaptation, slated for release next year, which features Latina actress Rachel Zegler as the princess known as “the fairest of them all.” In the recent “Peter Pan and Wendy” remake, Yara Shahidi broke barriers as the first Black woman to portray Tinker Bell onscreen.
“We want to reflect the world as it exists,” says Bailey, encapsulating the underlying philosophy driving his work.
However, this worldview and business strategy have thrust Disney and Bailey into the center of a vociferous cultural battle. In this hyperpartisan climate, both sides of the political spectrum have demanded that Disney take a stance, with Bailey’s movies becoming emblematic of the debate. One such film, “The Little Mermaid,” released in theaters two weeks ago with an estimated production and marketing budget of $375 million. This new iteration addresses problematic elements from the 1989 original, such as removing lyrics that perpetuated gender stereotypes. Furthermore, Halle Bailey, a talented Black actress, takes on the role of Ariel, a departure from the character’s traditionally white depiction in Disney’s theme parks and previous adaptations.
While Halle Bailey’s casting received significant support from people of color and film critics, it also became a target for racist commentary on social media platforms and movie fan sites. Others criticized the film for failing to acknowledge the historical context of slavery in the Caribbean. Even some members of the LGBTQ+ community expressed disappointment over the choice of a straight male makeup artist for the villainous Ursula, whose animated appearance drew inspiration from drag queen culture.
Disney is no stranger to weathering social media storms, often dismissing them as transient and inconsequential. In 2017, for example, a theater in Alabama made headlines for refusing to screen the live-action “Beauty and the Beast” due to a brief same-sex dancing scene. Surprisingly, the controversy had minimal impact on ticket sales. Disney hoped that “The Little Mermaid” would follow a similar trajectory, amassing potential global earnings of $1 billion while the furor gradually dissipated. Early feedback from test screenings and favorable reviews seemed to augur well for the film. Robert A. Iger, Disney’s CEO, even expressed confidence, stating that acclaimed composer Alan Menken believed this remake surpassed its animated predecessor.
However, the film’s international performance fell short of expectations, primarily due to a barrage of racist one-star reviews “review bombed” by online trolls. Despite this setback, “The Little Mermaid” has fared better domestically, with many praising the film’s casting choices and its commitment to progressive storytelling. It remains to be seen how the movie will ultimately fare at the box office, but regardless of the financial outcome, Bailey’s conviction in telling inclusive and empowering stories remains unwavering.
Looking beyond “The Little Mermaid,” Bailey’s agenda is packed with more than 50 films in various stages of development and production. Among them are high-profile projects like the live-action remakes of “Peter Pan and Wendy,” “Pinocchio,” and “Hercules,” along with original films and reboots of Disney classics. His aim is to continue pushing boundaries, championing female-led narratives, and fostering diversity and inclusion throughout Disney’s extensive filmography.
As the president of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production, Bailey knows that his choices will face scrutiny from all corners. However, his steady resolve and commitment to his vision have kept him at the helm, steadfast in his pursuit of stories that resonate with a broad and evolving audience. Despite the challenges and the occasional storms of controversy, Sean Bailey remains an influential figure shaping the future of Disney’s live-action endeavors.
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