I just had to dust this account, because I feel like this is very important. So, let me transcribe a convo I had with my mom about the upcoming "Lilo & Stitch" Live Action:
Me: Remember the huge argument there where some time ago about The Little Mermaid Live Action?
Me: I feel like there will be a new one.
Me: There will be a Lilo & Stitch Live action.
She: Don't tell me she's blonde now.
Me: Well, not blonde. But her skin tone is way lighter than the original.
She: And that is not realistic for that country, right?
I raised an eyebrow, because THAT is the point I am trying to make.
Me: Let me remind you Nicole Kidman is Hawaiian.
Boy, her eyes grew bigger. You see, I've seen many complaints about her skin tone, and bringing back Halle Bailey and The Little Mermaid again. And you know what? This is so stupid.
I hadn't seen TLM yet, so I cannot talk about her acting abilities, but Halle has an amazing, special voice. Sadly, that got buried under a bunch of people who couldn´t see beyond her skin tone and terrible CGI.
If you want to talk about Sydney, know first that she is Hawaiian. She was born there. She was raised in that culture.
I deeply regret not fully supporting Halle Bailey at the moment. But now, If Sydney Agudong will ever read this, this is a message for her:
Girl, you will do amazing. Last CGI Disney movies had a questionable quality, and they ended up relying on their main actors. Halle shut people down with her voice, you will do so through your acting.
Congrats on being chosen as the best big sis in the history of animation!