Home Entertainment Halle Bailey cast as Ariel in Disney’s The Little Mermaid live-action film

Halle Bailey cast as Ariel in Disney’s The Little Mermaid live-action film

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We spoke just earlier this week about the casting that has so far been put in place for Disney’s live-action My Little Mermaid film. Now, just a few days later, Disney has not only found actors to play some minor roles in the film, but also cast the most important role of them all, with Halle Bailey (not to be confused with Halle Berry like the rest of the internet has) cast as Ariel.

Disney confirmed the casting after what was apparently quite an extensive search by director Rob Marshall to find the new face of one of their more popular characters. Marshall and co landed upon Bailey as they felt she embodied everything that was required to make the role of Ariel work  – spirit, heart, youth, innocence, substance and of course, a knockout singing voice:

After an extensive search, it was abundantly clear that Halle possesses that rare combination of spirit, heart, youth, innocence, and substance – plus a glorious singing voice – all intrinsic qualities necessary to play this iconic role

Now, you might ask, Halle who?” And that wouldn’t be altogether surprising considering she has not starred in any major roles to date. So far, her only acting credentials are in a supporting role on Black-ish TV show spinoff Grown-ish, which I didn’t even know existed till now. However, people may know her more from her musical pursuits, where she is one pair of the singing duo Chloe x Halle, which she founded with her sister.

So Disney has opted for a new rising talent rather than a potentially more recognised face for their big movie, but considering the impact this role I likely to have, I think it is the right move. It will allow them to shape this new Ariel around the actress and give young fans someone new to get drawn to. As for Bailey herself, expect her name and career to only rise from this point on, with even her musical career likely to get a huge bump from this news.

Last Updated: July 4, 2019

17 Comments

  1. For the Emperor!

    July 4, 2019 at 08:41

    “Halle possesses that rare combination of spirit, heart, youth, innocence, and substance – plus a glorious singing voice” – that is good news indeed!

    Reply

  2. Geoffrey Tim

    July 4, 2019 at 09:24

    RED HAIR OR DONT CURR

    Reply

  3. Dutch Matrix

    July 4, 2019 at 09:24

    If she can act, sing then I am happy.
    It;s just, it breaks my heart that she was cast.
    I WANTED TO BE ARIEL!!!

    Reply

  4. Chris

    July 4, 2019 at 09:35

    Does anyone know when Final Space season 2 will be on Netflix? Started watching season 1 last night and its a hidden gem!

    Reply

    • Alien Emperor Trevor

      July 4, 2019 at 09:55

      It’ll be a while, S2 has only just started airing & it’ll take a few months to end up on Netflix after they’ve finished airing their current season.

      Reply

    • Kromas

      July 4, 2019 at 10:36

      A long long time unfortunately. I can say that season 2 is epic already. Best “gun” fight scene in history.

      Reply

  5. Kromas

    July 4, 2019 at 10:36

    Anyone else read the title as “Halle Berry” and thought “Isn’t she a little old?”?

    Reply

    • Admiral Chief Umbra

      July 4, 2019 at 11:15

      Me

      Reply

  6. Original Heretic

    July 4, 2019 at 09:24

    Why does Hollywood hate redheads so much?

    Reply

    • Dutch Matrix

      July 4, 2019 at 09:24

      We all hate gingers. Not just Hollywood

      Reply

      • Original Heretic

        July 4, 2019 at 09:35

        Have you eaten from the insane root?!

        Reply

        • Alien Emperor Trevor

          July 4, 2019 at 09:55

          Obviously not, the insane root turns your hair red.

          Reply

          • Original Heretic

            July 4, 2019 at 10:06

            We’re not talking about Rince right now.

        • Dutch Matrix

          July 4, 2019 at 10:06

          I AM THE INSANE ROOT!!!

          Reply

    • For the Emperor!

      July 4, 2019 at 09:35

      Maybe they will colour her hair for the movie? I had honestly not thought about the hair until I read your comment…

      Reply

  7. V@mp

    July 4, 2019 at 10:17

    I see they already started animating her eyebrows in that photo.
    Disney, always one step ahead.

    Reply

  8. HvR

    July 5, 2019 at 14:13

    One of the few people who watch Grown-ish on occasion and frankly I’m surprised; she is very okayish actor. Frankly forgettable. Never heard her sing so probably what tipped it more in her favour.

    Reply

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