the little mermaid
[photo via YouTube]

‘The Little Mermaid’ finds its Ariel as live-action remake confirms lead role

Singer and actress Halle Bailey is about to be a part of a whole new world in Disney’s live-action remake of The Little Mermaid. 

Bailey, who is part of the R&B duo Chloe x Halle with her sister, will play Ariel herself. 

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The decision was made on Wednesday for the artist to play the lead role. It is reported that Melissa McCarthy, Jacob Tremblay and Awkwafina are in talks to voice other parts. 

The remake will be directed by Rob Marshall, who has just finished Mary Poppins Returns for Disney. 

“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 said in a statement.

Production for the film is set to begin early 2020. 

Other news

Sources tell Variety that Disney may have found their Ursula to help all those poor unfortunate souls in the film!

According to reports, Melissa McCarthy is in talks to play sea witch and evil villain Ursula in Disney’s live-action remake of The Little Mermaid.

While nothing is finalized yet, the alleged casting has caused mixed reactions.

The original film many grew up on was first released in 1989, starring Jodi Benson as Ariel and Pat Carroll as Ursula. Following its debut, the film became a short-lived TV series of the same name. A film sequel, The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea, was released in 2000. A prequel, The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning, came eight years later in 2008.

The new film will incorportate songs from the original film as well as some new songs from Alan Menken and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Miranda and Marshall will also be producing the film alongside Marc Platt and John DeLuca. David Magee will write the remake’s script.

Disney is pulling in bank on their live-action remakes with recently released Aladdin grossing $820 million worldwide. The Lion King, which debuts next month, is expected to pull in even more.

What do you think of the lead role casting? Sound off in the comments below!

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