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Disney Has Announced That Halle Bailey Will Star As Ariel In The “Little Mermaid” Remake

Lately, Disney has been announcing so many exciting news about quite a few live-action remakes they are working on, that it’s hard to keep track! After getting fans hyped about the Lion King, we can’t wait to see what the company has in store for us next. We already know the dates of upcoming classics such as Maleficent, Mulan and Cruella but there’s one gem we can’t wait for – The Little Mermaid.

More info: Instagram

This year marks the 30th anniversary of The Little Mermaid, so there couldn’t be a better time to get excited about the upcoming remake. Ever since the live-action reboot was announced in 2016, fans have been impatiently waiting for any new information on the production dates, cast and staff. Finally, we know who will star as the mermaid named Ariel we all loved when we were kids and it’s Halle Bailey!

Disney Has Announced That Halle Bailey Will Star As Ariel In The “Little Mermaid” Remake

Bailey, the 19-year-old musician is best known for her musical duo Chloe X Halle with her sister Chloe. While the most rumored person to play Ariel was Zendaya, the creators decided to choose Bailey. “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 the director of the movie, Rob Marshall.

Disney Has Announced That Halle Bailey Will Star As Ariel In The “Little Mermaid” Remake

Image credits: dylanbonner90

Halle Bailey announced the news by sharing an illustration by Dylan Bonner.

Despite not everyone agreeing with the casting choice, many of Halle Bailey’s fans congratulated her on successfully scoring the role.

Here’s how Bailey’s fans reacted to the news

Disney Has Announced That Halle Bailey Will Star As Ariel In The “Little Mermaid” Remake

Image credits: halleberry

Disney Has Announced That Halle Bailey Will Star As Ariel In The “Little Mermaid” Remake

Image credits: JesabelRaay

Disney Has Announced That Halle Bailey Will Star As Ariel In The “Little Mermaid” Remake

Image credits: tia_tiaj

Disney Has Announced That Halle Bailey Will Star As Ariel In The “Little Mermaid” Remake

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Disney Has Announced That Halle Bailey Will Star As Ariel In The “Little Mermaid” Remake

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Disney Has Announced That Halle Bailey Will Star As Ariel In The “Little Mermaid” Remake

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Disney Has Announced That Halle Bailey Will Star As Ariel In The “Little Mermaid” Remake

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Disney Has Announced That Halle Bailey Will Star As Ariel In The “Little Mermaid” Remake

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Disney Has Announced That Halle Bailey Will Star As Ariel In The “Little Mermaid” Remake

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Disney Has Announced That Halle Bailey Will Star As Ariel In The “Little Mermaid” Remake

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Disney Has Announced That Halle Bailey Will Star As Ariel In The “Little Mermaid” Remake

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Disney Has Announced That Halle Bailey Will Star As Ariel In The “Little Mermaid” Remake

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Disney Has Announced That Halle Bailey Will Star As Ariel In The “Little Mermaid” Remake

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Disney Has Announced That Halle Bailey Will Star As Ariel In The “Little Mermaid” Remake

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Arietis 5 years ago

I misread the title as "Disney Has Announced That Halle Berry Will Star As Ariel In The “Little Mermaid” Remake" and thought: "Wow. She does look a lot younger than her age, but I'm not sure she can pull off 16."

44points

Randy Dhuyvetter 5 years ago

Glad I'm not the only one who misread that. ;)

21points

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Marie Lastname 5 years ago

I misread it too! And was all like "I am okay with Arielle being black but Halle Berry - no matter how young she looks - is way too old!!!"

4points

Ian Carter 5 years ago

LOL me too!!

4points

Joannie Goulet 5 years ago

That's what I read too! Then I scrolled down directly to the comments section (because let's be honest, that's were the real action is) and had to scroll back up after reading your comment!

4points

Full Name 5 years ago

#metoo

-2points

Tim Bijlsma 5 years ago

All the remakes pretty much suck, rather watch the animated versions again.

35points

Falcon 5 years ago

That's what I do! Much better.

1point

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Tahani 5 years ago

It's sad that they couldn't go for a real redhead. I have been bullied mercilessly in school for the color of my hair, it would have been nice to see someone like me as a kid on tv. So you are kinda robbing little kids with red hair from having this representation... makes me sad.

29points

TigerDRena 5 years ago

I couldn't agree more with this comment. I'm very disappointed how nowadays in almost every remake or adaption character's ethnicity or looks are completely changed. I do enjoy if more cultures are represented, especially if it's a minority on media, don't get me wrong, but there are plenty of other opportunities or ways for this, like adding new characters or just creating new stories.

9points

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Falcon 5 years ago

Exactly. They couldn't possibly cast a ginger for this?? Unbelievable.

3points

Kel Thrives 5 years ago

If only she (Halle) could understand how it feels to not have representation in the media. Oh wait. She does. Everyday. Imagine growing up and having 99% of the Disney movies portraying only white people or white-washed representatations of people of color.

-2points

Mo Ren 5 years ago

You’ll get over it.

-2points

Aria Whitaker 5 years ago

Yeah, I felt the same way growing up a little black girl. Had no princesses with my skin color, hair color, hair texture or body type to look up to. At least you had three out of four....

-3points

Katchen 5 years ago (edited)

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Miklós Nagy 5 years ago

Can't they make something new finally?

20points

David Jeu 5 years ago

Thats the real question there

3points

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C Hypercube 5 years ago

RIP Danish folklore.

17points

Tiari 5 years ago

Well, saying that Disney’s Version of the little mermaid is Danish folklore... not so sure, I have to admit.

0points

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Kostas 5 years ago

it wouldn't be a problem if racebending didn't have a double standards.

14points

Tiffany Marie 5 years ago

I just see it as a Disney Parody.

14points

Kostas 5 years ago

no place in this world for redhead actors :) readheads-...c67200.jpg

12points

ReBoot 5 years ago

#gingerwashing

4points

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Dylan Bonner 5 years ago

Any chance you’d credit me for my illustration that’s above the headline? @DylanBonner90

9points

Lillukka79 5 years ago

Have they run out of ideas? Why make remakes. Can't think of one remake that was even equal to the original, let alone better.

9points

Virgil Blue 5 years ago

My exited reaction: Meh. Give me the original animation any time.

9points

David Jeu 5 years ago

I hate all those black washing. Nothing wrong with blacks, but what will people say if they did the opposite ? Dont get fooled, it's not political, its marketing. Just another blacksplotation like in the 70s.

8points

Felicia Peay 5 years ago

People will say White people played Jesus, Ghengis Khan, Cleopatra...and no white people batted an eye or whined then, so what’s different now? You’re actually comparing making Black people pimps and drug dealers to playing the lead character in a Disney movie? Dude! SMDH

-2points

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Falcon 5 years ago

Terrible choice. Ariel is a red head. This was the perfect opportunity to cast a ginger.

5points

Mewton’s Third Paw 5 years ago

I think it’s fine, but if people want to say it’s just normal and anyone can play the role then they shouldn’t make a big deal that she’s black. They’re cheering her on BECAUSE she’s black. If it’s just a movie and it shouldn’t matter then these people are just as bad as the ones complaining.

5points

Ohio Hands 5 years ago

Its only seen as a positive if a white character is changed to non-white ethnicity, otherwise its whitewashing.

3points

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Susan Burns 5 years ago

why change a classic story?

5points

Tiari 5 years ago

Why not? Disney changed it the first time too.

2points

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Tyler Duffy 5 years ago

Booooo.

5points

Razz Matazz 5 years ago

wow that's a lot of excited memes / congratulations / positive reinforcement on twitter. but the question is: will these people actually support the movie? i mean really would they watch this @ opening? i loved the classic animated movie... when i had a daughter and she was old enough she watched it and loved it too. but after seeing this, i think we'll pass. thanks but no thanks disney. if really wanted to put an african american girl in ur remake movie, then do the princess and the frog then. jeez...

3points

Gatsu 5 years ago

South Park - People Who Annoy You. Those who know, will understand. :)

2points

Virgil Blue 5 years ago

I wonder who will be Ursula?

2points

Crycket 5 years ago

I have heard Melissa McCarthys name thrown around for that...not sure if it is a rumour or confirmed though

1point

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Cristina Steele 5 years ago

I’m not sure how they plan to do this? Will they computerize a fishy tail on her and make it seem like the characters are under water? Won’t it look weird? Like how the “live action” Lion King animals are just special effects.

1point

Airam Per 5 years ago

not my Ariel.

0points

C.S. 5 years ago

IF, she was the best person that auditioned, then hell yes go with that for sure!! If she's cast JUST so people can be PC or for a publicity to be cool with other races, then no. Then it's not about talent, it's a show at the circus.

0points

POST

Arietis 5 years ago

44points

Randy Dhuyvetter 5 years ago

Glad I'm not the only one who misread that. ;)

21points

Load More Replies...

Marie Lastname 5 years ago

I misread it too! And was all like "I am okay with Arielle being black but Halle Berry - no matter how young she looks - is way too old!!!"

4points

Ian Carter 5 years ago

LOL me too!!

4points

Joannie Goulet 5 years ago

That's what I read too! Then I scrolled down directly to the comments section (because let's be honest, that's were the real action is) and had to scroll back up after reading your comment!

4points

Full Name 5 years ago

#metoo

-2points

Tim Bijlsma 5 years ago

All the remakes pretty much suck, rather watch the animated versions again.

35points

Falcon 5 years ago

That's what I do! Much better.

1point

Load More Replies...

Tahani 5 years ago

29points

TigerDRena 5 years ago

9points

Load More Replies...

Falcon 5 years ago

Exactly. They couldn't possibly cast a ginger for this?? Unbelievable.

3points

Kel Thrives 5 years ago

-2points

Mo Ren 5 years ago

You’ll get over it.

-2points

Aria Whitaker 5 years ago

Yeah, I felt the same way growing up a little black girl. Had no princesses with my skin color, hair color, hair texture or body type to look up to. At least you had three out of four....

-3points

Katchen 5 years ago (edited)

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Miklós Nagy 5 years ago

Can't they make something new finally?

20points

David Jeu 5 years ago

Thats the real question there

3points

Load More Replies...

C Hypercube 5 years ago

RIP Danish folklore.

17points

Tiari 5 years ago

Well, saying that Disney’s Version of the little mermaid is Danish folklore... not so sure, I have to admit.

0points

Load More Replies...

Kostas 5 years ago

it wouldn't be a problem if racebending didn't have a double standards.

14points

Tiffany Marie 5 years ago

I just see it as a Disney Parody.

14points

Kostas 5 years ago

no place in this world for redhead actors :) readheads-...c67200.jpg

12points

ReBoot 5 years ago

#gingerwashing

4points

Load More Replies...

Dylan Bonner 5 years ago

Any chance you’d credit me for my illustration that’s above the headline? @DylanBonner90

9points

Lillukka79 5 years ago

Have they run out of ideas? Why make remakes. Can't think of one remake that was even equal to the original, let alone better.

9points

Virgil Blue 5 years ago

My exited reaction: Meh. Give me the original animation any time.

9points

David Jeu 5 years ago

8points

Felicia Peay 5 years ago

-2points

Load More Replies...

Falcon 5 years ago

Terrible choice. Ariel is a red head. This was the perfect opportunity to cast a ginger.

5points

Mewton’s Third Paw 5 years ago

5points

Ohio Hands 5 years ago

Its only seen as a positive if a white character is changed to non-white ethnicity, otherwise its whitewashing.

3points

Load More Replies...

Susan Burns 5 years ago

why change a classic story?

5points

Tiari 5 years ago

Why not? Disney changed it the first time too.

2points

Load More Replies...

Tyler Duffy 5 years ago

Booooo.

5points

Razz Matazz 5 years ago

3points

Gatsu 5 years ago

South Park - People Who Annoy You. Those who know, will understand. :)

2points

Virgil Blue 5 years ago

I wonder who will be Ursula?

2points

Crycket 5 years ago

I have heard Melissa McCarthys name thrown around for that...not sure if it is a rumour or confirmed though

1point

Load More Replies...

Cristina Steele 5 years ago

1point

Airam Per 5 years ago

not my Ariel.

0points

C.S. 5 years ago

0points

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