According to a new report by
Variety, Disney have chosen an actor to play the titular role in their upcoming, live-action remake of
The Little Mermaid. Halle Bailey is an R&B singer who is usually paired with her sister by the name of Chloe Bailey - with their powers combined, they're known as Chloe x Halle.
Rob Marshall, the director of the
Little Mermaid remake provided a statement in which he talks about why Halle is perfect for the role of Ariel.
“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."
The singer/actress joins Awkwafina (
Crazy Rich Asians,
Jumanji: The Next Level) and Jacob Tremblay (
Room,
Wonder) who will be playing Scuttle and Flounder respectively. It's said that Melissa McCarthy (
Ghostbusters,
Spy) is
in talks to play the villainous role of Ursula.
As mentioned above; Rob Marshall is the film's director and David Magee wrote the script. The live-action remake of
The Little Mermaid will feature the songs of the 1989 animated classic - those being by Alan Menken - as well as some new ones by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Marshall and Miranda worked together previously on
Mary Poppins Returns.