Halle Bailey, of the singing duo Chloe x Halle & star of the FreeForm series Grown-ish has been cast to portray ‘Ariel’ from the Disney movie ‘The Little Mermaid’ in a live action/CGI remake.
She will join previously announced stars Awkwafina & Jacob Tremblay, who are playing Scuttle & Flounder. Actress Melissa McCarthy has also been rumored to take on the role of the villain Ursula. This film joins many other Disney films who’ve already had a live action remake and others set to release this year. Other live action films releasing in 2019-2020 are The Lion King, Lady & The Tramp, Mulan & Cruella.
Production is set to begin in 2020 and will feature many of the original songs from the original 1989 animated film. Original composer Alan Menken & creator of ‘Hamilton’ Lin-Manuel Miranda have been tasked with writing new songs for the new version.
The critics have buzzing on Twitter however; up in arms about the character being portrayed by a black actress. Other complaints were about the actress needing to look like Ariel with red hair. Twitter user @TrellBeyLike_ quickly answered that with the following tweet:
We look forward to seeing what Halle bring this character to life. Her voice alone we’re here for and have no doubt she’ll do this character justice.