Halle Bailey, an American actress, got accolades and comments during the global premiere of the live-action rendition of ‘The Little Mermaid,’ in which she plays the first Black Ariel.
The film’s producer, John DeLuca, and director, Rob Marshall, stated that they chose her because she was the best fit for the role. According to Marshall, the casting was natural and did not feel pressured or ‘woke,’ contrary to popular belief.
Bailey’s portrayal of Ariel drew a lot of racial reaction. “I am honored to be a part of this and be one of the princesses now because, for me, it was Brandy as Cinderella and Anika Rose as Princess Tiana,” she remarked during the premiere. “So the fact that I’m able to carry on and live on this kind of legacy is really exciting, and I’m just grateful,” Africa News reported.
Jodie Benson, the voice behind Ariel in the 1989 animated film, commended Bailey’s enactment of the movie’s classic song ‘Part of Your World.’ She said, “I’m just thrilled at how Halle has taken her beauty to this song…she’s really captured the essence of who Ariel is. And I’m so very proud of her.”
Alongside Bailey, other stars in the movie include Akwafina, Melissa Mc Carthy, David Diggs, Jonah Hauer-King and Jacob Tremblay.
Hailey Bailey, a 23-year-old American singer and actress, rose to prominence with her sister as part of the musical duet Choe x Halle. She has two albums with Chloe and has appeared in films such as Grown-ish, Ungodly Hour, and Last Holiday. People reports that she will soon appear in the musical version of the 1985 drama film ‘The Color Purple.’
The live-action adaptation of ‘The Little Mermaid’, on the other hand, is planned to hit theaters on May 26, 2023.