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Movies & TV

03rd Jul 2019

Disney casts role of Ariel in live-action version of The Little Mermaid

Paul Moore

The Little Mermaid

Halle Bailey is about to go under the sea.

With all eyes on The Lion King’s imminent release in cinemas, it’s clear that Disney’s policy of making live-action versions of their most beloved cartoons is showing no signs of slowing down.

The Jungle Book, Dumbo, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin are just some of the beloved titles that have been adapted in recent years, but there are plenty of more titles that the Mouse House plan on developing.

Lady and the Tramp and Mulan are in various stages of production but it’s arguable that The Little Mermaid is the project that has the most attention.

After all, it features one of – if not THE – most beloved princesses in any Disney cartoon. Melissa McCarthy is in talks to play Ursula, which is perfect casting as far as we’re concerned. Elsewhere, Jacob Tremblay and Awkwafina have been cast already.

However, the most important role has now been filled and Halle Bailey has landed the role of Ariel.

The Little Mermaid

This will be Bailey’s biggest role to date as it’s arguable that she’s more famous for her music group Chloe x Halle with her sister Chloe.

The pair first rose to fame by posting YouTube covers of Beyoncé before they were eventually discovered by the R&B superstar and her record label.

Bailey has also starred in Last Holiday and Grown-ish.

Lin-Manuel Miranda is providing the music for the film and he shared the announcement on Twitter.

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