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Disney’s Live-Action ‘The Little Mermaid’ Casts Singer Halle Bailey As Ariel

Disney announced early Wednesday the lead role of Ariel in the upcoming live-action remake of The Little Mermaid will be played by Halle Bailey. Bailey is best known as being part of the R&B duo Chloe X Halle.

The sister group, Chloe X Hallie, was first discovered by superstar Beyoncé on YouTube singing covers to her music. They got their start as openers for Beyoncé Lemonade tour, and the duo’s fame has taken off ever since. Both singers are currently regulars on Freeform’s Grown-ish series and have previously appeared on Disney channels Austin & AllyThe Little Mermaid will mark as Halle Bailey’s first feature debut.

Bailey confirmed the news with a cute Twitter post with the caption, “dream come true.” Check out the post below.

Alongside Bailey, Jacob Tremblay (Wonder) will join the cast as Flounder, Ariel’s best fish friend. Additionally, Crazy Rich Asians breakout Awkwafina will play Scuttle, Ariel’s seagull counterpart. Variety also reported that Melissa McCarthy was in talks to play the villainess, Ursula.

Rob Marshall will direct and the new film will showcase well-known songs from the 1989 animated classic. THR reported Hamilton’s Lin-Manuel Miranda (Moana) and original composer Alan Menken will also be adding new material. Menken is no stranger to Ariel and her underwater world as he composed the animated original songs Under the Sea, Part of Your World and Kiss the Girl. Marc Platt, the executive producer on Guy Ritchie’s live-action Aladdin, will produce this project.

Almost a year ago, rumors flew that Spider-Man: Far From Home star Zendaya was in talks to star as Ariel for the upcoming adaptation. Zendaya, herself, told MTV when promoting the new animated film Smallfoot that, “it was just rumors.”

 

With many more roles still to fill within the film, I’m excited to see who Disney will cast alongside Bailey as Prince Eric!

Production on Disney’s live-action The Little Mermaid begins in early 2020.

What do you think about Halle Bailey playing the role of Ariel in Disney’s live-action The Little Mermaid? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.

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