“Couldn’t Think of Anyone Better”: Critics Praise “HYPNOTIZING” Performance from Halle Bailey in ‘Little Mermaid’

The Little Mermaid has been one of the most talked about Disney live-action remakes, even though the film hasn’t officially been released yet. Disney has received much criticism from fans for its “wokeness” in its casting of Black singer-songwriter and actress Halle Bailey in the role of Princess Ariel. The casting decision has come up repeatedly, with various fans and actors coming to Disney’s defense. However, since the movie began premiering in cities worldwide, all press has been positive. In fact, Halle Bailey’s recent performance at Disneyland was met with rousing applause and an appreciative audience.

Related: ‘Little Mermaid’ Star Speaks on Film: “Ariel Doesn’t Leave the Ocean For a Boy”

Now, some lucky early viewers of the movie have taken to social media to share their thoughts and opinions on the movie, and it certainly has those of us who haven’t watched the movie yet on the edge of our seats in excitement.

One Jaren Williams took to Twitter to share,

#TheLittleMermaid ranks among the best of Disney’s live-action remakes. It captures the wonder of the original, while injecting enough newness to set itself apart. Halle Bailey is HYPNOTIZING as Ariel. Couldn’t think of anyone better for the role. I was pleasantly surprised!

#TheLittleMermaid ranks among the best of Disney’s live-action remakes. It captures the wonder of the original, while injecting enough newness to set itself apart. Halle Bailey is HYPNOTIZING as Ariel. Couldn’t think of anyone better for the role. I was pleasantly surprised! pic.twitter.com/QtGTdga1v4

— Jaren Williams (@jarentalks) May 17, 2023

And Williams wasn’t the only one! Another early viewer called the remake “Disney’s best live-action feature to date.” The critic, Christian Eulinberg, added, “Halle Bailey serves the character of Ariel brilliantly & her voice compliments the songs we all adore.”

Another fan responded to all the praise the film and Bailey have been receiving:

It’d be one thing if they were saying stuff like “she is lovely” or “does a really good job in her film debut” but everyone is unanimously saying she is incredible and the best thing in the entire movie so it’s looking like she is the REAL DEAL 💖 (and that makes me so happy)

— Gerry Tonella (@gerardotonella) May 17, 2023

While some were still highlighting that “the color of Bailey’s skin” had something to do with her performance, from all of the acclaim the film has received, we’re certain the movie will be fantastic, and we can’t wait to watch it!

The Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid live-action remake from Walt Disney Studios stars Halle Bailey as Disney Princess Ariel, Melissa McCarthy as Ursula, the evil sea-witch, Javier Bardem as King Triton, Daveed Diggs as Sebastian, and Jonah Hauer-King as the dashing Prince Eric. Chicago filmmaker Rob Marshall directs the movie and has music from Alan Menken and Lin-Manuel Miranda. It’s a star-studded cast and crew and is a highly anticipated film.