Disney has found its Ariel, with the studio announcing that R&B singer Halle Bailey of Chloe x Halle has been cast in the title role in the upcoming live-action reimagining of the animated classic The Little Mermaid.
“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,” said director Rob Marshall (Into the Woods, Mary Poppins Returns).
The official press release from Disney states that “additional announcements regarding The Little Mermaid are expected in the coming weeks”, offering nothing in the way of confirmation of the recent reports linking Melissa McCarthy, Awkwafina and Jacob Tremblay to the roles of Ursula, Scuttle and Flounder respectively.
