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.
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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.
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