Halle Bailey, of Chloe x Halle fame, is set to become part of Disney's world. The R&B singer is tapped to play Ariel in the live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid, directed by Rob Marshall.
The director has spent months meeting with talent, and insiders claim that Bailey has been a clear front runner from day one of auditions.
Disney have received praise online for casting more diverse actors and artists for their new cinematic offerings, with Bailey becoming the first black princess in a live-action film.
“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,” Marshall said in a statement.
The incredible cast already includes Jacob Tremblay and the hilarious Awkwafina, of Crazy Rich Asians and Oceans 8 fame. Melissa McCarthy is also rumoured to be playing the sea-witch Ursula.
The Little Mermaid will incorporate original songs from the 1989 animated hit film, as well as adding new song from original composer Alan Menken and Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda.
dream come true... pic.twitter.com/sndjYUS6wO
— (@chloexhalle) July 3, 2019
Miranda is producing the film along with Marshall, Marc Platt and John DeLuca, so it's set to be absolutely amazing. David Magee has written the script, with Jane Goldman having written a previous draft.
Menken wrote the iconic original music from the film, including songs like Under the Sea, Kiss the Girl and Part of Your World which have remained memorable Disney hits.
The movie followed mermaid Ariel's journey after falling in love with Prince Eric, a human. She trades in her voice for a pair of legs to try and win his heart, but Ursula's devious intentions could ruin her plan.
The role will be Bailey's debut for a feature film, following her success as one part of singing duo Chloe x Halle since 2015.
The pair rose to fame after posting YouTube covers of Beyoncé before the superstar discovered them and signed them to her record label. They've since opened for Queen Bey on her Lemonade tour.
Halle also stars in the Freeform series Grown-ish, so she's got some acting skills in the bag already.
Feature image: Instagram/@rayknightcasting
