DisneyFanatic.com The Latest News, Advice, and Perspective from Disney Fans for Disney Fans!
The upcoming live-action remake of The Little Mermaid has been discussed and debated over and over since the details about the movie were first announced. The most significant controversy surrounding this has been the casting of a Black actress—Halle Bailey—in the role of Princess Ariel. Many have felt the casting “ruined the fantasy” of the movie and have expressed in various forms their frustration with Disney for its decisions regarding The Little Mermaid.
Singer Halle Bailey was cast as Princess Ariel in The Little Mermaid / Courtesy of Disney
Related: Tinker Bell Actress Defends Disney Casting Amid Backlash
Despite this, many have come to the defense of the casting decision, sharing the positive effects this kind of inclusivity can have, including the actress herself, Halle Bailey. Now, Bailey has revealed some more details about the role in a new Edition magazine profile about her experience filming. Bailey had 13-hour shoots where she had to be in the water for that entire time. “I pushed myself as far as I’ve ever pushed myself in life.” She shared.
The Little Mermaid art / Courtesy of Disney
Halle Bailey also shared that the movie has a more contemporary take on the popular animated film. “I’m really excited for my version of the film because we’ve definitely changed that perspective of just her wanting to leave the ocean for a boy,” Bailey said. “It’s way bigger than that. It’s about herself, her purpose, her freedom, her life and what she wants.”
Bailey expressed that she felt that “we as women are amazing” and that she was happy to see Disney updating these themes to stay contemporary and with the times.
A still from the trailer for The Little Mermaid / Courtesy of Disney
Bailey shared the true style of a real Disney princess: “I feel like the message from [Ariel] was to know that you’ve always had it in you.” A sentiment worthy of a Disney princess!
More on “The Little Mermaid”
The upcoming “Little Mermaid” adaptation also stars Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric, Melissa McCarthy as Ursula, Javier Bardem as King Triton, and Noma Dumezweni as Queen Selina. Jacob Tremblay voices Flounder, Daveed Diggs—Sebastian, and Awkwafina voices Scuttle. It’s directed by Rob Marshall, with music from Lin-Manuel Miranda, Alan Menken.
