In Disney Junior’s latest animated series, "Ariel," Mykal-Michelle Harris dives deep into the role of a young Ariel, bringing a fresh perspective to a beloved Disney character. With music, adventure, and Caribbean culture at its heart, the show celebrates diversity in all its forms. I had the privilege of speaking with Mykal-Michelle about her journey into this iconic role and the impact she hopes to make on young viewers.
Words by Angel Neal @angel_stylistbehavior
Photography: Disney/Nathalie Gordon
Stepping into the shoes of a beloved iconic character comes with its own set of challenges and expectations, as Mykal-Michelle explains. “When I voice or portray a character that has already been seen in media, I usually revisit that media and I think of ideas on how I can bring a fresh perspective,” she shares. Her preparation involved immersing herself in the original "Little Mermaid" films to capture Ariel’s essence as an eight-year-old—a version of the character we’ve never seen before.“My mom and I created this character that resonated with the producers and director,” Mykal-Michelle reflects on the collaborative process that shaped her portrayal. While acknowledging the pressure of following in the footsteps of previous Ariel portrayals, she embraced the opportunity to make the role her own, infusing it with her unique energy and perspective.
Disney Junior’s "Ariel" goes beyond entertainment; it aims to educate and inspire young viewers through its diverse cast and cultural representation.
“The show celebrates all kinds of diversity,” Mykal-Michelle emphasizes. From background characters to main roles, the series reflects a broad spectrum of identities, allowing children to see themselves represented on screen."
Transitioning from acting to singing was a new challenge for Mykal-Michelle, who leaned on her mother’s expertise in singing and performance. “It was a big stepping stone,” she admits, “from not having done any professional music to voicing Ariel.” Balancing her roles as both singer and actress, she found that Ariel’s voice became a tool for leadership and community-building within the storyline.
Through Ariel’s adventures, Disney Junior’s series imparts valuable lessons on community, self-expression, and resilience. Mykal-Michelle sees Ariel as a catalyst for leadership, always striving to make a positive impact on those around her. The show not only entertains but also educates children on topics like marine biology, fostering a deeper understanding of the world beneath the waves.
While voice acting differs from traditional acting, Mykal-Michelle found synergy with her fellow cast members and creators despite not recording together. “We all had this collaborative effort,” she explains, “to create something perfect.” This shared vision translated into a cohesive and impactful series that she hopes will captivate young audiences.
As "Ariel" prepares to make a splash on Disney+, Mykal-Michelle eagerly anticipates the audience’s reaction to the series’ eight exciting episodes and its enchanting soundtrack, available now. She hopes that children will not only enjoy the show but also take away important messages about confidence, friendship, and embracing one’s unique qualities.
For young fans dreaming of following in her footsteps, Mykal-Michelle offers words of encouragement:
“Always follow your dreams and put in a lot of hard work to achieve those dreams.” Her journey from avid fan to the voice of Ariel exemplifies the rewards of perseverance and dedication.
Mykal-Michelle Harris embodies the spirit of #BlackMermaidMagic in Disney Junior’s "Ariel," bringing depth, diversity, and her own vibrant personality to this iconic role. As the series makes waves, she remains committed to inspiring young viewers worldwide with Ariel’s empowering adventures under the sea.
To keep with all things Mykal-Michelle you can follow her here @mykalscorner. Check out the series right now streaming on Disney+.
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