Disney has found its newest princess in singer/actress Halle Bailey. The young singer, who is a Beyoncé’s mentee, will play the role of Ariel, the rebellious daughter of King Triton who longs to live on dry land in the animated movie, ‘The Little Mermaid’.
A long search for an actress with the right combination of everything the princess character possesses was run by the studio and film director Rob Marshall. Upon extensive hunt, which in its process linked the role to ‘Spider-Man: Far From Home’ actress Zendaya, but later recorded as false (confirmed by the Zendaya herself) the princess role is finally on the laps of Bailey with reasons that, “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,” Marshall revealed in a statement.
Already, the live-action animated musical has on its cast sheet Oscar nominee Melissa McCarthy alongside Jacob Tremblay and Awkwafina. In 1989, when the original production was released scored Alan Menken an Academy award for best original song. Menken returns for the remake with Lin-Manuel Miranda on the music.
‘Aladdin’ remake executive producer Marc Platt is on the executive seat with Marshall for the live-action musical, whiles Marshall, John DeLuca and Miranda are serving as producers.
Bailey, who doubles as a singing member of ‘Chloe x Halle’ is signed on to Parkwood Entertainment label owned by Beyoncé and repped by CAA.
