McDonald’s and Black Girls Surf Team Up for 'Little Mermaid' Campaign

Global fast-food chain McDonald’s has teamed up with the nonprofit organization Black Girls Surf for a new Little Mermaid spot that inspires young girls to chase their dreams. 

The 30-second television commercial features competitive surfer and Black Girls Surf Junior Team member Maizy Gordon, as she encourages kids like Ariel to make waves and create a change.  

“I think it’s important for girls to dream big. They can do whatever they put their minds to,” she narrates. 

Gordon shares that she feels like a mermaid whenever she catches a wave, and that her difference with Ariel, played by actress Halle Bailey, is that Ariel’s a better swimmer. “But I’m a better surfer,” she added. 

“I’m gonna keep dreaming, and hope other girls do too,” the young surfer ends the commercial by having a “The Little Mermaid Happy Meal” and showcasing the figurines that come with the promo. 

Watch the commercial here: 

In the live-action version of The Little Mermaid, Ariel is played by singer and actress Halle Bailey, marking a special moment in Disney as one of the first times a Disney Princess has been acted by a Black lead.  

Rhonda Harper, founder and executive producer of Black Girls Surf, says the tv commercial is a visual reminder that “we are all little mermaids.”  

"Since 2014, our organization has coached hundreds of young girls from the shores of California by way of Costa Rica, to the beaches of Senegal.  We are now surfing our way to the Junior Olympics,” she added.  

In support of the organization, the fast-food giant will be donating funds to Black Girls Surf and host a special screening of “The Little Mermaid” for its members.  

Jennifer Healan, VP of U.S. Marketing, Brand, Content and Culture at McDonald’s shares that the fast-food giant had worked with Disney for years to create campaigns and “bring magic to life every day.” 

“'The Little Mermaid' Happy Meal is an extension of that collaboration where even more fans can see themselves reflected in profound possibility and feel encouraged to dream big and make waves," she explained. 

McDonald’s latest campaign was made together with advertising agency DDB Chicago and video production company Reverie Content.