We’ve been wondering who will play the iconic role of King Triton ever since Disney announced Halle Bailey will star as Ariel in the upcoming live-action “The Little Mermaid.” And while fans have suggested numerous actors as possible contenders for the role, one actor has decided to nominate himself: Terry Crews.
Not long after the internet erupted in mixed opinions over Bailey’s new role as Ariel (and after Disney issued a response), Crews took to Twitter to share his version of an all-new King Triton…himself. The image Crews shared is a photoshopped graphic of Crews’s upper half of his body attached to King Triton’s merman tail. He even seems to have posed on purpose for the image, with one hand on his hip and the other positioned perfectly to “hold” King Triton’s trident. The image even shows Crews set in front of a backdrop of Atlantica, King Triton’s underwater mer-kingdom from the original animated film. It seems like all that’s missing is his crown.
Good thing I skip leg day because mermen don’t have legs! ??? https://t.co/AtueOYtic3
— terry crews (@terrycrews) July 6, 2019
As soon as Crews shared the Tweet, fans responded in an outpour of positive affirmations that Crews is fit for the role. Some said Disney could have all their money if they cast Crews, while others said Crews needs to be cast in the role even if it doesn’t make sense. Here are some of Twitter users’ reactions to the possibility of Crews as King Triton:
They cast a black girl as Ariel in the new Little Mermaid, and now I’m just trying to figure what super buff black guy is going to play her father. Terry Crews? Terry Crews as King Tritan?
— Roger (@RoJoHen) July 4, 2019
Great, now I'll hate if anyone else gets the role. It HAS to be you, @terrycrews !!!
— Bruno Tiburcio (@Broolex) July 6, 2019
If you play Ariel’s dad, Disney will have my money. ?%.
— John McRoberts ???? (@JMCROB01) July 6, 2019
Well okay, but only if there's a scene where he beats up Ursula using nothing but his pecs
— ᴀ ᴡɪʟᴅ Evan ᴀᴘᴘᴇᴀʀs (@evanskaufman) July 6, 2019
Can't believe they aren't casting an actor with an actual fish tail smh…
— James ???? (@Jameskilgour9) July 7, 2019
King (Terry) Triton! ??? @terrycrews #TheLittleMermaid pic.twitter.com/Rorgjb9YGc
— BossLogic (@Bosslogic) July 8, 2019
So when are we starting the petition?
— The_Real_Nubian is tired (@1981_mad) July 7, 2019
In addition to Crews, several other celebrities are vying for roles in the upcoming live-action version of “The Little Mermaid,” from singer Lizzo wanting to portray Ursula to actor and singer Todrick Hall suggesting he should play Sebastian. Hall posted a lengthy Instagram caption sharing his thoughts on the racist reactions to Bailey being cast as Ariel in the new movie, sharing how he and other minorities feel about the lack of representation in Hollywood, and namely in Disney films of the past. At the end of Hall’s caption, he asks if he can be Sebastian…and we know we’re not alone in wanting Hall’s wish to come true.
Disney hasn’t publicly responded to Crews, Lizzo, or Hall about the characters they each want to play in the upcoming film, but we’re still holding out hope that at least one of these three celebrities can have their Disney movie dreams come true.
Do you think Terry Crews would make a good King Triton in “The Little Mermaid”? Let us know in the comments!
Source: Terry Crews