The Little Mermaid (2023)

The 2023 remake of The Little Mermaid features a minimal and implicit LGBTQ+ presence, with no prominent characters or storylines. While the political discourse around the film touches on themes of bodily autonomy and queering, these elements are not central to the movie's plot or character arcs, resulting in a neutral overall portrayal.

The 2023 film *The Little Mermaid* allegorically portrays trans experiences through Ariel's transformation from mermaid to human, interpreted as a metaphor for gender transition and self-discovery. King Triton's acceptance of Ariel's change symbolizes parental support for a child's authentic identity. Ursula's role as an enabler further emphasizes themes of agency and challenging restrictive norms, resulting in a primarily positive, affirming impact for trans and queer audiences.

The character Scuttle, who was canonically male in the 1989 animated film, is portrayed as female in the 2023 live-action adaptation, fulfilling the criteria for a gender swap.

Ariel, the protagonist of the original animated film, was depicted as a white character. In the 2023 live-action adaptation, the character is portrayed by a Black actress, which constitutes a race swap.