Casting on the live-actionThe Little Mermaidcontinues to heat up, as Disney has found its leading lady. WhileSpider-Man: Far from HomeactressZendayahas long been rumored for the role,THRreports that singerHalle Baileyhas been selected as Ariel for the live-action remake. Bailey is best known as one half of the singing duo known asChloe x Halle, and this will be the 19-year-old’s first major acting role having previously played a supporting part on the Freeform seriesGrown-ish.
Disney has been mulling a live-actionLittle Mermaidremake for some time now, and self-professedLittle MermaidsuperfanLin-Manuel Mirandais onboard to produce and help spearhead the music alongside veteran Disney songwriterAlan Menken. In the director’s chair isChicagoandInto the WoodsfilmmakerRob Marshall, who is becoming something of a Disney go-to having helmedPirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tidesand most recentlyMary Poppins Returns.
“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 Marshall in a statement.
In addition to Bailey, Disney is also in talks withMelissa McCarthyto play the villainous Ursula,Jacob Tremblayto play Flounder, andAwkwafinato voice Scuttle. The film is expected to be a hybrid of live-action and CG, unlike the upcomingThe Lion Kingremake, which is fully animated. Miranda has long been expected to fill the role of Sebastian, but we’ve yet to receive confirmation on that front just yet.
This is a huge role for Bailey, and it’ll be interesting to see who Disney turns to to play love interest Eric, for whom Ariel gives up her voice. I’m also curious to see how Marshall intends to pull off the underwater singing sequences, though I imagine seeingJames Wan’s CG-filled take onAquamananswered a number of questions Disney had about bringing the underwater world to life.
The film will feature the iconic songs from the 1989 original animated film, as well as new songs written by Menken (music) and Miranda (lyrics). Filming onThe Little Mermaidis expected to begin in early 2020.
Stay tuned for more as it appearsThe Little Mermaidis really heating up as one of the next live-action Disney remakes. Next on the docket isThe Lion Kinghitting theaters this summer, followed byLady and the Tramplater this year on Disney+ andMulanin theaters next year.
For a full list of Disney’s upcoming live-action remakes,click here.
