In Disney’s upcoming live-action Little Mermaid movie, Halle Bailey, 21, stars as mermaid Ariel, who longs to be human.
via: USA Today
“And just like that..that’s a wrap. after auditioning for this film when i was 18 just about to turn 19 , to now finishing filming through a pandemic when i turned 21 ..we have finally made it,” she wrote alongside a photo of her in the water.
Bailey went on to express how “grateful” she is to “have experienced this film in all of its glory.”
“It has been the toughest experience being away from everything and everyone i’ve ever known, to feeling self doubt/ loneliness, but also feeling such freedom and perseverance as i’ve reached the end. this experience has made me so much stronger than i ever thought i could be,” she said, thanking her co-stars Jacob Tremblay, who plays Flounder, and Melissa McCarthy, who plays Ursula.
“I’m so grateful to have such lovely and talented people in the cast like @jonahhauerking that will be my friend for infinite lifetimes, @jacobtremblay who i’m so proud of ?and legends like @bardemantarctic @melissamccarthy @awkwafina @daveeddiggs who are masters of their craft but are so welcoming and open to little old me..as well as to the rest of the beautiful cast and crew,” she wrote.
Bailey urged her followers to watch the reboot for themselves before passing judgment.
“i cannot wait for time to speed up so you all can watch this film because it was made with so much love (plus blood sweat and tears) lol thank you sardinia for a wonderful ending!!! xoxo.”
Director Rob Marshall announced in 2019 that Bailey, part of the R&B duo Chloe x Halle with her sister Chloe Bailey, was cast as Ariel in Disney’s upcoming live-action reimagining of “The Little Mermaid.” in 2019, which was announced by director Rob Marshall.
“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 Disney release at the time.
Jodi Benson voiced the character in the 1989 original, directed by Ron Clements and John Musker. The animated film won Oscars for best original song (“Under the Sea”) and score for Alan Menken. For the new movie, Menken will team with Lin-Manuel Miranda on the music.
Bailey’s casting in the role brought joy from the Twitter-sphere. “Spider-Man: Far From Home” star Zendaya tweeted her support, writing, Yeeeeessss!! Here for thiiiissss!!” The tweet prompted Bailey to respond, “I LOVE YOU! Thank you.”
Yeeeeessss!! Here for thiiiissss!! @chloexhalle ???????? https://t.co/8hpuSKb4rD
— Zendaya (@Zendaya) July 3, 2019
Jelani Alladin, who originated the role of Kristoff in the “Frozen” Broadway musical, tweeted praise to the filmmakers “for this EXCEPTIONAL CASTING of Ariel!!! The world NEEDS THIS! CONGRATS HALLE!!!”
I am so proud of @Disney @telseyandco @DisneyStudios @RobertIger @AIMenken #robmarshall for this EXCEPTIONAL CASTING of Ariel!!! The world NEEDS THIS! CONGRATS HALLE!!! @chloexhalle https://t.co/EmEwsXjVKv
— JelaniAlladin (@JelaniAlladin) July 3, 2019
We can not wait to see the movie, and hear the updated soundtrack.
