Singer and actor Halle Bailey, half of the sister duo Chloe x Halle, will next be going under the sea, starring as Ariel in the upcoming adaptation of The Little Mermaid .
The live-action version will include original songs from the 1989 animated hit as well as new tunes from original composer Alan Menken and Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda. Some of the tunes include Under the Sea, Part of Your World and Kiss the Girl.
Bailey will join Jacob Tremblay and Awkwafina in the film, which will be directed by Rob Marshall, who helmed Mary Poppins Returns .
Marshall says that Bailey “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.”
News of the casting was praised unanimously online, with many taking note of the significance of a young black woman taking on the role.
