Grammy-nominated singer-scribe Halle Bailey has shocked the world after it was reported the 19-year-old will play Ariel in the Disney live-action remake of The Little Mermaid.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Halle who is one half of the sister-singing duo Chloe X Halle will breathe new life into the beloved role of King Triton’s curious yet rebellious daughter who wants to live on land and not her underwater habitat she’s known all her life.
The Grown-ish actress was notified late Wednesday morning of the news. (July 3) There are rumors Melissa McCarthy may play evil Queen Ursula along with Jacob Tremblay and Awkwafina.
“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,” said director Robert Marshall in a statement.
An early 2020 date is when production will begin.
Tapped to work the score is Tony-Award winning actor Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Shortly after news broke of Halle’s upcoming role, Academy-Award winning actress Halle Berry began to trend because of the similarity in first and last names.
I can't be the only person who saw news that "Halle Bailey is The Little Mermaid" and got very confused because my mind misspelled her last name to make it read "Halle Berry is The Little Mermaid," right?
— Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) July 3, 2019
My dumbass brain trying to calculate how Halle Berry was gonna play a 16 year old mermaid pic.twitter.com/tE3wHORZOA
— Chayah (@TheBased_Spades) July 3, 2019
I definitely didn’t read that Little Mermaid casting news and have the first reaction of “How are we going to make a 52 year old Halle Berry play a 16 year old.” pic.twitter.com/jf4betFlaA
— Nicole (@SansaStarkss) July 3, 2019
Congrats to Halle!
