Halle Bailey has been cast as Ariel in Disney's The Little Mermaid remake
![Halle Bailey of Chloe x Halle.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/XbVqKCZrJdM79CA2NSKWpb-415-80.jpg)
Look at this casting. Isn't it neat?
Disney has officially tapped Halle Bailey, the actress and R&B singer known for performing with her sister as part of the duo Chloe x Halle, as Ariel in the live-action remake of The Little Mermaid, The Hollywood Reporter writes. Outside of her singing career, Bailey also stars on Freeform's Black-ish spin-off, Grown-ish.
Director Rob Marshall confirmed this casting news on Wednesday, saying that "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."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
![https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516-320-80.jpg)
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Disney is also reportedly eying Melissa McCarthy for the role of Ursula, as well as Jacob Tremblay for Flounder and Awkwafina for Scuttle. These casting decisions haven't yet been confirmed, and according to the Reporter, Disney only just landed on Bailey as Ariel on Wednesday.
The Little Mermaid is Marshall's latest collaboration with Disney after 2018's Mary Poppins Returns, and Hamilton's Lin-Manuel Miranda is collaborating with legendary Disney composer Alan Menken on the soundtrack. It's the latest in a string of live-action reimaginings from Disney, which is preparing to on July 19 release its third of 2019: The Lion King. Disney's most recent live-action update, Aladdin, has been a hit at the box office, having thus far grossed nearly $900 million. Disney hasn't announced when, exactly, it's taking audiences back under the sea with The Little Mermaid, but the film will reportedly begin production in early 2020.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
Pope urges climate action, unity at Jakarta mosque
Speed Read The pope and the mosque's top cleric signed a joint declaration encouraging religious tolerance and climate change action
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Teen kills 4 in Georgia high school shooting
Speed Read A student shot and killed two classmates and two teachers at Apalachee High School
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
DOJ charges 2 Russians for funding US far-right media
Speed Read Russia is running disinformation campaigns to influence US politics ahead of the 2024 election, officials say
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
OJ Simpson, star athlete tried for murder, dead at 76
Speed Read The former football hero and murder suspect lost his battle with cancer
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Momofuku's 'Chili Crunch' trademark uproar
Speed Read The company's attempt to own the sole rights has prompted backlash
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Kevin Hart awarded Mark Twain Prize
Speed Read He is the 25th recipient of the prestigious comedy prize
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Is Downton Abbey set to return for a final film?
Speed Read Imelda Staunton reveals that a third movie may be in the pipeline
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
'Oppenheimer' sweeps Oscars with 7 wins
speed read The film won best picture, best director (Christopher Nolan) and best actor (Cillian Murphy)
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'Rust' armorer convicted of manslaughter
speed read The film's cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed by actor Alec Baldwin during rehearsal
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The Beatles are getting 4 intersecting biopics
Speed Read Director Sam Mendes is making four separate movies, each told from the perspective of one band member
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Taylor Swift to Miley Cyrus: female artists dominate 2024 Grammys
Speed Read SZA, Phoebe Bridgers and Lainey Wilson were also among the winners at LA gala
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published