‘Aladdin’ Star Mena Massoud Dragged for Comments About Halle Bailey’s ‘The Little Mermaid’
Mena Massoud, the star of Disney’s live-action version of Aladdin, has received some backlash following the upcoming remake of The Little Mermaid starring Halle Bailey. On Saturday, Massoud commented on…

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Jesse Grant/Rich Fury/Getty ImagesMena Massoud, the star of Disney's live-action version of Aladdin, has received some backlash following the upcoming remake of The Little Mermaid starring Halle Bailey.
On Saturday, Massoud commented on a tweet discussing whether The Little Mermaid will cross the $1 billion box-office mark after projections set the Bailey-led film to have a higher than Aladdin for its first weekend in theaters. According to Massoud, the film won’t touch that milestone but would definitely get a sequel.
Massoud said that Aladdin, which came out in 2019 and also starred Will Smith as Mariner, was able to hit the milestone because fans repeatedly came back to the theaters to watch the film, which is something that he does not think will happen with Bailey's The Little Mermaid.
"Our film was unique in that audiences went to watch it multiple times," Massoud said. "It’s only the way we reached the billion-dollar mark with our opening. My guess is TLM doesn’t cross the billion mark but will undoubtedly get a sequel."
Fans were not fond of the shade Massoud threw at The Little Mermaid. "Look, I liked him in Aladdin and felt bad that he couldn’t really springboard it to anything notable," one fan responded. "But this is such an embarrassing and uncalled for tweet. What would compel one to say this?"
"Your film reached a billion but you’re still jobless… seems like you got other things to worry about," one fan wrote.
"Damn. He should've apologized for his tweet instead of deleting his whole account. Like they say play stupid games, you win stupid prizes. Mena Massoud shouldn't pin against POC lead Disney films. That's just wrong," another fan responded to Massoud's response to the backlash.
The Little Mermaid hits theaters on May 26 and stars Halle Bailey, Melissa McCarthy, Jonah Hauer-King, Daveed Diggs and more.
Take a look at the trailer below:
Disney's The Little Mermaid had its world premiere Monday night (May 8). The film stars Halle Bailey (Ariel), Jonah Hauer-King (Prince Eric), Melissa McCarthy (Ursula), Javier Bardem (King Triton), Jacob Tremblay (Flounder), and Daveed Diggs (Sebastian).
Bailey spoke about the cultural impact of playing Ariel as an African-American woman.
"This moment means everything to me, I’m so grateful to be here," she told Deadline during the premiere's "blue carpet." "I just feel really honored and I’m happy the day has finally come where we can all watch it."
"It means the world to me, especially for the beautiful babies to be able to see a reflection of themselves," she added. "I am just honored to be a part of this and be one of the princesses now because for me it was Brandy as Cinderella and then Anika Rose as Princess Tiana. So the fact that I am getting to continue this and live on this legacy is really exciting and I’m just grateful."
The Little Mermaid hits theaters on May 26. Take a look at the stars who hit the "blue carpet" for the premiere below:
World Premiere Of Disney's The Little Mermaid

The blue carpet at the world premiere of Disney's 'The Little Mermaid.'
Melissa McCarthy

Melissa McCarthy looked stunning in her on theme blue gown with light blue gloves. McCarthy plays Ursula in the film.
Jonah Hauer-King

Jonah Hauer-King stuck to a classic black suit for the premiere where he showed off his new haircut. Hauer-King plays Prince Eric in the film.
Daveed Diggs

Daveed Diggs stayed on them with his fish scale-esque outfit. Diggs plays Sebastian in the film.
Javier Bardem

Javier Bardem wore a navy blue suit with a black undershirt for the blue carpet giving a subtle nod while playing to the "sea" theme. Bardem plays King Triton in the film.
Jacob Tremblay

Jacob Tremblay wore a light grey suit with a white shirt underneath to the premiere. Tremblay plays Flounder in the film.
Simone Ashley

Simone Ashley looked pretty in pink in an off-shoulder and spaghetti strapped dress. The dress has white lace on the sides as well as a statement train.
Chlöe Bailey

Chlöe came to support her sister Halle during The Little Mermaid premiere. Chlöe did not disappoint as she wore a high collar yellow dress with a cutout in the middle laced with gems and sparkles.
DDG

DDG, who is Halle Bailey's boyfriend, brought out his nephew to the blue carpet. The rapper wore all-black with green shoes.
Marsai Martin

Marsai Martin showed out on the blue carpet with a beautiful strapless brown gown. The 'Black-ish' alum wore her braids in a half-up, half-down with buns.
Heidi Klum

Heidi Klum loves a theme and did no disappoint. Klum wore a pink and silver glittery dress which mimicked fairy wings.
Kelly Rowland

Kelly Rowland brought out a little special guest to the premiere of 'The Little Mermaid.' Rowland wore a pink and green halter gown with a matching cape.
Kenya Moore

Kenya Moore brought out her daughter Brooklyn for the premiere. Moore and Brooklyn matched with their white and red rose dresses making it a perfect mommy and daughter date.
Tia Mowry

Tia Mowry brought out her daughter Cairo Tiahna Hardrict for the blue carpet. Mowry wore a skirt with flowers and a white top.
Tamera Mowry-Housley

Tamera Mowry-Housley brought out her daughter Ariah Talea Housley. Tamera stayed true to theme in a gorgeous blue ombre gown.
Jodi Benson

Jodi Benson who voiced the original Ariel from the animated film made an appearance on the blue carpet. The actress wore a light blue gown with sparkles throughout the dress.
Halle Bailey

Last but certainly not least is Halle Bailey. The star of the film wore a dress that gave the illusion of splashing water. The liquid inspired dress was paired with her long red locs honoring her character Ariel.