Taye Diggs is teaming up with a rising star and bonafide powerhouse to breathe a fresh take on a beloved Disney classic. 

It’s been nearly 35 years since the original “The Little Mermaid” premiered, captivating audiences worldwide. Now, Diggs stars alongside 12-year-old Mykal Michelle-Harris and Amber Riley in Disney Junior’s “Ariel,” which gives new life to the beloved animated story and Ariel’s underwater adventures surrounded by diverse communities and sea creatures.

Diggs, who’s been a fan of Disney for decades, portrays Ariel’s dad, King Triton, while Michelle-Harris plays Ariel and Riley as Ursula.

“I'm so excited,” says Michelle-Harris of stepping into the titular role, formally played by Hailey Bailey in 2023. “It does come with some pressure because there have already been some incredible people who have played, voiced, or portrayed Ariel. Although I went in thinking ‘I’m aligned with these people,’ It's ultimately, a really incredible, iconic character to be able to bring to life and put my own spin on.”’

In this series, Ariel and her friends explore the wonders of the sea while gleaning significant lessons about life.

“It is so incredible of these different stories that we're telling,” explains Michelle-Harris. “Ariel is a teacher” who “teaches these kids they can be confident in who they are.”

Of honoring Black and brown voices in this production, Diggs says it’s been a long time coming, yet, he’s proud of the strides that have been made.

“Disney is not afraid to change and move with the times and I'm proud of it,” he said.

Bet.com caught up with Diggs and Michelle-Harris about the impact of threading this series with representation and the wisdom-filled lessons that people of all ages can glean.

Bet.com: How much fun was it bringing these characters and their underwater adventures to life?

Taye Diggs: It hit so many points in my dreams simultaneously. I grew up on Disney, so of course, I always dreamt of being in a Disney production. I come from a music theater background so I get to sing. I'm a father and I get to play a father. Every once in a while, you're a part of a project that just makes sense across the board. And this is one of them.

Mykal Michelle-Harris: I was so excited because Disney Princesses are one of the things that you always think about when you think of Disney, and I've always loved Disney Princesses. So to actually be one and be able to bring a new iteration of this character to life is just so incredible to me. I love having my voice portray this character and what children hear when they turn on their television and tune in.

Bet.com: Taye, as a fan of the original “The Little Mermaid,” how does this moment compare to other roles you’ve portrayed throughout your career?

Taye Diggs: It means something to be a father now and be able to lend my craft to something big and really awesome. I love the fact that the Disney that I grew up with is still Disney, but they're changing and growing and altering their perspectives which is something really different and something that I'm very proud of. 

Bet.com: In this series, Black and brown families are represented. How will this level of inclusion elevate the story of “The Little Mermaid” along with the Disney Brand?

Taye Diggs: It's a double-edged sword because it's easy to say, “Why didn't this happen years ago?” but that doesn't do anybody any good. I'm just happy that it's happening now and that I'm a part of it. So that always makes me feel better. So we're improving and shows like this are proof and I'm proud.

Bet.com: Mykal, as a young Black girl, what does it feel like seeing this version of Ariel who you can resonate with?

Mykal Michelle-Harris: It is so important to me because kindergarteners and pre-K soak up information because they're still learning who they are. A lot of children are going to be watching this and they are going to be taking in what they see.

Bet.com: In episodes one and two, there are messages about being yourself, not being afraid to try new things, and trusting yourself. As a father, why are these messages that children and the next generation need to hear? 

Taye Diggs: I think everybody needs to hear and learn these messages. I love that we're focusing on the younger generation. I think it's very responsible. I'm impressed because these issues we're dealing with are major issues that people overlook, even as adults. Kids and adults alike get to see these characters, who seem so much bigger than life, deal with situations that we all deal with.

So, not only do they get the fun of seeing characters that they put on a pedestal, but they can also look at what these characters are doing and apply it to their own lives. I think that's really special. 

Bet.com: Mykal, as a child actor, why do you think it's important for kids to gain these life lessons at a young age?

Mykal Michelle-Harris: Children have so much ahead of them. There is the good and there is the bad, and I feel like Ariel can tell children that the bad is going to come, but you need to be confident just like Ariel, be able to stand your ground, and help your friends. I feel like that's such an incredible lesson that children must learn at one point or another. Otherwise, it just feels so horrible when you hear the no’s in life. 

I feel like it's definitely going to be a show that a lot of children will love because it teaches lessons and shows diversity, and you can also learn about marine biology and all these different types of fish.