Disney’s live-action adaptation of their beloved animated classic, The Little Mermaid, is set to hit theaters on May 26, and fans couldn’t be more excited. The movie, directed by Rob Marshall and produced by Lin-Manuel Miranda, features a star-studded cast, including Halle Bailey, who plays the lead role of Ariel.
Bailey’s casting as the beloved mermaid princess initially sparked controversy, with some fans expressing their disappointment and anger that a Black actress was chosen to play the character. However, many others, including the original voice of Ariel, Jodi Benson, have come out in support of Bailey and praised her performance.
At the film’s recent invited-only premiere in Hollywood, California, Benson had nothing but kind words for Bailey’s portrayal of the iconic character. During an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Benson shared: “She’s brilliant. I love that she has a purity of heart and a pure spirit. You can see that vulnerability, bravery, and that courage coming through, and it’s beautiful. I’m so thrilled for her, and I’m so proud of her.”
Benson wasn’t the only former Disney princess to show support for Bailey. Actress Anika Noni Rose, who voiced the character Tiana in Disney’s The Princess and the Frog, also praised Bailey’s performance, saying: “She has a kind spirit, and I don’t think that’s gonna change.”
Halle hopes to be an inspiration for young girls
Bailey’s casting is a significant moment for representation in Hollywood, as she is the first Black actress to play a Disney princess in a live-action adaptation. In an interview with Teen Vogue, Bailey shared how much it meant to her to be able to play Ariel and inspire other young girls who look like her.
“Representation is important,” Bailey said. “It’s something I didn’t have growing up, and I would have loved to have had. So, the fact that I’m able to be a Black Little Mermaid, I’m honored. I’m excited for all the little Black girls to see it and be inspired.”
Despite the initial backlash, Bailey’s performance and the overall excitement for the film have shown that audiences are ready for more diverse representation in Hollywood. With a talented cast, beautiful music, and a timeless story, The Little Mermaid is sure to be a hit when it swims into theaters on May 26.