PETA Requests that “Little Mermaid” Set Go Fish-Free
A letter from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) strongly urged the cast and crew of the new live-action remake of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” to not serve fish on set. The crew is currently filming in Sardinia, Italy this summer.
The live-action remake of the spell-binding 1989 animated feature film already stars a vegan in actress Halle Bailey, who plays the headstrong Ariel. Javier Bardem, who plays the princess’s regal father King Triton, is also a noted marine activist.
Please @DisneyStudios
Listen to Sebastian and the new Ariel, @HalleBailey—keep Flounder off the hook! Treat fish like the emotionally complex individuals they are by only serving #vegan food on set during production of the live-action remake of The #LittleMermaid. pic.twitter.com/WoLdXP8liE— PETA (@peta) June 16, 2021
“Disney’s The Little Mermaid got it right in 1989—fish are intelligent, emotionally complex, and playful, and they experience pain just like we do” said Lauren Thomasson, the PETA Animals in Fim and Television senior manager in the letter. The document was sent Wednesday to Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures President Sean Bailey.
Thomasson argued, among other things, that the film already lends itself to advocated for fish friends. She pointed specifically to Sebastian the Crab’s clever and miraculous escape from Chef Louis as he serves up Les Poissons in the original film.
“I’m writing on behalf of the many Disney fans at PETA and animal advocates everywhere to ask that the live-action production be completely Flounder-friendly by providing only tasty, vegan, fish-free food for the cast and crew on set,” she continued.
PETA Eyes a Chance for Advocacy
PETA sees an opportunity for Walt Disney Studios to make a statement regarding the consumption of oceanic fish.
Fish are friends, not food — and #vegan Halle Bailey knows it! 🐟🌱
The talented singer, actor, and PETA award winner @chloexhalle‘s compassion for animals will surely shine through in her upcoming portrayal of Ariel in #TheLittleMermaid 🧜🏿♀️✨https://t.co/rJkJ49I18G
— PETA (@peta) July 3, 2019
“Ariel would recoil with horror at the thought of eating her pelagic pals—and the 1989 film even includes a scene in which Sebastian the crab escapes a ruthless chef. PETA’s message to Disney is simple: Fish are our friends—not hors d’œuvres,” said PETA Senior Vice President Lisa Lange in a statement.
According to PETA’s letter, 5 million fish are caught every minute in the wild. Futhermore, 700,000 tons of fishing vessel equipment finds itself dumped into oceans annually. Numerous species of aquatic animals find themselves in peril as well because of traps, boats, and other fishing industry effects, according to the letter.
“With healthy, plant-based, fool-your–taste buds versions of every sea animal readily available, there’s no need to sacrifice flavour — or a life. Sebastian famously reminded Ariel that ‘[u]nder the sea, we’re off the hook,’ and the live-action remake of ‘The Little Mermaid’ is the perfect opportunity to do him and all animals proud by offering only vegan craft service,” Thomasson said in the letter.
We will continue to follow the story for cast reactions and any decisions regarding this environmental decision as production continues. Until then, we will look forward to the splendor that is sure to be this new version of the classic, especially “Hamilton” star Daveed Diggs’ take on Samuel E. Wright’s memorable “Kiss the Girl” and “Under the Sea.”