Grown-ish star Halle Bailey Casted as Ariel in ‘The Little Mermaid’

As the Renaissance of Disney’s classic films continues to be adapted into live-action, the cast for ‘The Little Mermaid’ was released earlier today and singer/actress Halle Bailey of R&B group Chloe x Halle has been cast as Ariel. Halle, who stars alongside older sister Chloe in the hit black-ish spinoff ‘Grown-ish’ on Freeform, joins mentor Beyoncé in the Disney live-action kingdom- set to appear in ‘The Lion King’ on July 19. She was showered with messages of congratulations on all social media platforms, however, there were some distasteful responses to Disney’s casting choice. 

Yes, the role of Ariel will be played by an African American and there is not one problem with that. How about before this casting choice is made about race, we think about how well a Grammy award-winning artist would do in a role that consists of signing. Then we can note how she can inspire so many young African American girls.

“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 Director Rob Marshall.

One of the disturbing comments made following the announcement eluded to Disney needing casting someone with nature “red hair” but the suggestions made were actresses of a white complexion. In the past, Disney has dealt with similar comments following the casting of Zendaya as Mary Jane Watson in the ‘Spider-Man’ franchise. So it seems that casting is a problem when someone of a different race takes on a role of a character that is white in other mediums but it perfectly fine when Hollywood whitewashed historical figures that are of a darker skin complexion. 

The 19-year-old Halle will be joined by Melissa McCarthy, Jacob Tremblay and Awkwafina, who are each currently in talks for roles either on the live-action side or lending their voice to a CGI character according to The Hollywood Reporter. Production is slated to begin in early 2020, with longtime music conductor for Disney movies Alan Menken teaming up with Lin-Manuel Miranda for the music.