Hey, more news about another Disney live-action adaptation!
R&B star Halle Bailey has been cast as Ariel in Disney’s The Little Mermaid, to be directed by Rob Marshall and co-starring Jacob Tremblay, Melissa McCarthy and Awkwafina. Apparently they have been auditioning young women to play Ariel for awhile but Bailey has been the clear favorite for some time. This is a role that can totally transform her life. I hope she’s comfortable underwater.
Here’s Marshall speaking about Bailey’s casting:
“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”
Like most of the live-action Disney remakes, I have minimal interest in The Little Mermaid. However, I’m going to root for Bailey because I’m so sadly sure that the racist mouth-breathers are going to be coming out of the woodwork because of this casting. Despite the fact that Ariel is A FICTIONAL MERMAID WHO TALKS TO GOD DAMN FISH you know there are going to be a ton of idiotic dumb dumbs coming forward to say how Bailey isn’t right for the part because of the color of her skin. I can practically feel them getting riled up right now. Congrats, guys, you’re pissed off about a kids movie. Way to look tough.
Let’s put aside that unpleasantness to focus on something exciting: The Little Mermaid stands a chance to be one of the most visually interesting Disney films in a long time. It’s not often that the majority of a film takes place underwater. I know a lot of the story takes place on land but there will be a fair share of the movie that’ll be “undah the sea”. There is ample opportunity for Marshall to make something fascinating, different, colorful and fun. This adaptation will also feature new music from Hamilton sensation Lin-Manuel Miranda. It could actually be the Disney remake that charts a new path.
