Halle Bailey has been cast as Ariel in Disney's The Little Mermaid remake
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.
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.
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.
-
Cautious optimism surrounds plans for the world's first nuclear fusion power plant
Talking Point Some in the industry feel that the plant will face many challenges
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Explore new worlds this winter at these 6 enlightening museum exhibitions
The Week Recommends Discover the estrados of Spain and the connection between art and chess in various African countries
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
2024: the year of Black country artists
In the Spotlight Beyoncé debuted 'Cowboy Carter' at the top of the country charts, shining a spotlight on artists like Shaboozey
By Theara Coleman, The Week US Published
-
Honda and Nissan in merger talks
Speed Read The companies are currently Japan's second and third-biggest automakers, respectively
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Taylor Swift wraps up record-shattering Eras tour
Speed Read The pop star finally ended her long-running tour in Vancouver, Canada
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Drake claims illegal boosting, defamation
Speed Read The rapper accused Universal Music of boosting Kendrick Lamar's diss track and said UMG allowed him to be falsely accused of pedophilia
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
'Wicked' and 'Gladiator II' ignite holiday box office
Speed Read The combination of the two movies revitalized a struggling box office
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Jussie Smollet conviction overturned on appeal
Speed Read The Illinois Supreme Court overturned the actor's conviction on charges of staging a racist and homophobic attack against himself in 2019
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Quincy Jones, music icon, is dead at 91
Speed Read The legendary producer is perhaps best known as the architect behind Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'
By Peter Weber, 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