Ursula in Disney's The Little Mermaid: A Deeper Dive into Representation and Inspiration

When discussing Disney's iconic character Ursula in The Little Mermaid, many fans and critics have brought up the original inspiration, which is often attributed to the legendary drag queen Divine. This brings us to a thought-provoking question: why did Disney choose to base Ursula on a white drag queen when considering a Black drag queen for a potential new interpretation?

The Original Inspiration

The character of Ursula was inspired by Divine, a prominent figure in the drag and camp culture scene. Divine's flamboyant persona and significant influence in camp culture made her a fitting inspiration for the flamboyant and malicious sea witch. However, the idea of reimagining Ursula as a character inspired by a Black drag queen is gaining traction and could offer a fresh perspective, while also reflecting on broader themes of diversity and representation in the entertainment industry.

Reimagining Ursula: A Bold Step

The suggestion of reimagining Ursula with a Black drag queen as inspiration is intriguing. While it might seem like a simple swap, it would require careful consideration of several factors. These include historical context, cultural representation, and the specific artistic direction of the film. Disney has been steadily moving towards increased diversity and representation in recent years, and reinterpreting classic characters could fit into this broader trend. However, the decision ultimately depends on the vision of the filmmakers and how they want to portray the character within the story's context.

Artistic Vision and Character Design

Disney's artistic vision plays a crucial role in character design. The original design of Ursula in the animated film is quite specific, featuring purple body paint that is a key part of the character's iconic look. This means that replicating the same design while casting a Black drag queen could be a straightforward transition. For example, this would be similar to casting Jennifer Lawrence as Mystique in X-Men or Zoe Saldana as Gamora in Guardians of the Galaxy. In these cases, the race of the actress does not detract from the character's appearance, emphasizing the importance of the design rather than the actor's race.

The Evolution of Ursula

It's important to consider the process behind the character's design. The idea that Disney started with Divine as inspiration and then cast a white queen as the character is a common misconception. In reality, the character went through numerous concept designs before reaching the final look. The original designs were based on various sea creature/woman hybrids that were always evil-looking. The evolution of the character led to a preference for the more voluptuous and Divine-like appearance, and this character was then studied in relation to John Waters' films, further cementing the Divine influence.

Diversity and Representation

The idea of casting a Black drag queen as Ursula offers an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of Black performers to the art form and provide a fresh narrative that resonates with contemporary audiences. However, it is essential to ensure that the character is portrayed authentically, respecting the original design and cultural significance. The race of the actor should not overshadow the character's representation and should align with the historical context and artistic vision.

Conclusion

Reimagining Ursula as inspired by a Black drag queen is a complex but potentially rewarding idea. It would require a deep dive into the original inspiration and artistic direction of the character. By doing so, Disney could offer a new perspective that aligns with the evolving standards of diversity and representation in the entertainment industry.