Everyone’s talking about the casting of the new Little Mermaid, but what I’m most excited to see is the modern portrayal of a nonspeaking Disney princess.
In the original movie, the prince seems to take interest in silent Ariel based on her looks alone. But inability to speak does not mean inability to think.
Thirty years later, I feel hopeful that Disney will recognize the variety of creative ways that people communicate, and show Ariel discovering some for herself.