and that's thanks to Halle Bailey.The 23-year-old stars as the titular, headstrong princess in Disney's new live-action reimagining, and her casting has hit home in a big way for little Black girls who are seeing themselves portrayed as the beloved Disney character for the first time onscreen.The film also stars Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric, Melissa McCarthy as Ursula, and Javier Bardem as King Triton, with Daveed Diggs as the voice of Sebastian the crab, Jacob Tremblay as Flounder, and Awkwafina as Scuttle.The role feels like a dream come true according to Bailey, whose previous forays into acting include starring alongside her older sister and musical partner, Chlöe Bailey, on Freeform's series. The singer tells ET that while it «feels absolutely amazing» to join the iconic ranks of the Disney Princesses, being one of the few Black Princesses is on a whole new level.«I just am really grateful to be in this position,» Bailey tells ET's Nischelle Turner, citing Brandy Norwood's Cinderella and Anika Noni Rose's Princess Tiana as her inspirations.«I loved Brandy as Cinderella; she was so amazing, such a role model and inspiration and a really big kind of studying point for me as I was taking on Ariel,» Bailey shares.
‘The Little Mermaid’ Star Melissa McCarthy Brings Down the House as ‘Poor Unfortunate Souls’ Debuts at CinemaCon
26.04.2023 - 18:01 / variety.com
Rebecca Rubin Film and Media Reporter Pour one out for the poor unfortunate souls who aren’t at CinemaCon. Attendees of the annual exhibition trade show were treated to the first-ever glimpse of Melissa McCarthy as Ursula in Disney’s upcoming “The Little Mermaid” remake, including a show-stopping rendition of the character’s signature number, “Poor Unfortunate Souls.” McCarthy didn’t perform live, but she came to Las Vegas to introduce a clip of the movie, starring Halle Bailey as Ariel. In the dazzling footage, McCarthy channels Tallulah Bankhead with pitch-perfect flair as the evil sea witch convinces Ariel to part with her voice. Sporting dramatic makeup and a short, purple-ish updo, Ursula whips around her tentacles and shimmies through the sea alongside her sidekicks Flotsam and Jetsam while belting the evil anthem.
A live-action remake of Disney’s 1989 animated classic, “The Little Mermaid” tells the story of a King Triton’s youngest daughter, who is fascinated with the world above. So Ariel makes a deal with her evil aunt Ursula to become human in exchange for her dulcet pipes. While on stage, McCarthy told the audience it was an honor to play one of Disney’s “most delicious and iconic” villains. “She’s dishy. She’s a conniving broad,” she says of Ursula. “You can’t help but love her at the same time.” Along with Bailey and McCarthy, the voice cast includes Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric, Javier Bardem as King Triton, Jacob Tremblay as Flounder and Daveed Diggs as Sebastian. Rob Marshall directed the film, which releases in theaters on May 26. Disney has given numerous animated films the live-action treatment — including “The Lion King,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin,” “Mulan” and “Dumbo” — to varying
Halle Bailey Sings ‘Part Of Your World’ At Disneyland Live For The First Time Since Filming ‘The Little Mermaid’
Halle Bailey delivered a mesmerizing performance of “Part of your World” as she sang “The Little Mermaid” track live for the first time post-production.
Halle Bailey Swims Over To London For 'The Little Mermaid' Premiere with Jonah Hauer-King
Ariel and Prince Eric have reunited!
Jonah Hauer-King Competed Against 6 Stars to Land Prince Eric in 'The Little Mermaid,' Including a Chart-Topping Singer & an Actor Who Called Out the Casting Decision
Jonah Hauer-King is the latest actor to become a Disney Prince, but he faced stiff competition for the part!
'Aladdin' Star Mena Massoud Deactivates Twitter Following Backlash Over 'The Little Mermaid' Criticism
Mena Massoud has deleted his Twitter account.
The Party Report: ‘The Little Mermaid’ Premiere Splashes Down as WGA Strike Grinds Other Fetes to a Halt
“The Little Mermaid”The Dolby Theatre, HollywoodUnder the sea and back to Hollywood in a whole new way! At the world premiere of Walt Disney’s live-action adaptation of “The Little Mermaid” a crowd of excited fans helped make the atmosphere electric, cheering on the stars and their friends who walked the blue carpet. Adorned with shimmering seashell decorations and with the sounds of Caribbean music filling the air, the joyful feeling immersed everyone in the world of the film.“The Little Mermaid” herself, Halle Bailey, wowed in a shimmery sea-blue gown that evoked Ariel, while Melissa McCarthy, Javier Bardem, Art Malik, Awkwafina and director Rob Marshall gathered for the celebration. TheWrap caught up with Melissa McCarthy (who plays the much-loved musical’s iconic octopus villain Ursula), to discuss the backlash that African-American star Bailey experienced when cast as Ariel, who is white in the animated classic.
‘The Little Mermaid’ star defends Flounder’s ‘skinny’ physique: ‘They were geniuses’
addressed the backlash that has spread across the Internet about his character’s appearance.Jacob Tremblay defended Flounder’s portrayal at the world premiere of the movie in Los Angeles on Monday, saying that it “works out perfectly.”“I was shown the design when I went in for the audition and I saw the movie last night and, I have to say that I think it really, really worked,” the 16-year-old actor told People. “I think that they were geniuses and they knew exactly what they were doing.”“And I think it works out perfectly.
Jacob Tremblay Defends Flounder Redesign In ‘The Little Mermaid’: ‘They Knew Exactly What They Were Doing’
Jacob Tremblay is a fan of Flounder’s new design despite online criticism.
'The Little Mermaid' First Look: Daveed Diggs' Sebastian Sings 'Under the Sea' (Exclusive)
continues and to give fans a sneak peek at what's to come, Entertainment Tonight is exclusively debuting a first look at an iconic musical number from the live-action reimagining.In ET's clip, Halle Bailey's Ariel recalls her brief foray to the surface world to a disbelieving Sebastian, voiced by Daveed Diggs. While the gushing mermaid waxes poetic about how the ship she saw «rolled on the winds and filled the sky with fire,» the talking crustacean isn't moved.«OK, listen to me.
Halle Bailey Is an Under-the-Sea Goddess in Liquid Gown at ‘The Little Mermaid’: Photos
Part of her world! Halle Bailey was an under-the-sea vision at The Little Mermaid premiere on Monday, May 8.
Offset Dresses Like a Prince While Escorting Daughters to 'The Little Mermaid' Premiere
Offset and his daughters looked like royalty as they stepped out for a daddy-daughter date night at the Los Angeles premiere of on Monday. The Migos rapper walked the blue carpet hand-in-hand with Kalea, 8, and Kulture, 5 at the Dolby Theatre, with the trio all sporting coordinating black-and-white ensembles. For his part, Offset channeled Prince Eric with a structured white jacket and black pants.
Halle Bailey Perfected Under-the-Sea Fashion at The Little Mermaid Premiere
on the red carpet over the years, but nothing has nailed the under-the-sea vibe quite as perfectly as the figure-skimming liquid look gown on May 8. As the actor who plays the titular mermaid in the live-action Disney remake, Bailey clearly understands how to bring that magical underwater energy to life.The dress's metallic blue fabric recalled the glimmering reflective surface of a body of water, while the shell-shaped detailing at the bust completed the oceanic princess aesthetic.
‘The Little Mermaid’ First Reactions: Fans Mostly Want to Be Part of Live-Action Remake’s World
#TheLittleMermaid: Charming, but incredibly spotty. Halle Bailey, Jonah Hauer-King, Melissa McCarthy & Javier Bardem put their heart & souls into a film that can’t escape its animated legacy. Best when it leans into campy bonkers, yet limits its fantasy elements for no reason.
First 'The Little Mermaid' Reactions from Critics Revealed After L.A. World Premiere, Plus See Red Carpet Photos!
The world premiere of Disney’s The Little Mermaid live-action remake just took place and the first reactions from critics have been revealed.
Halle Bailey Gets Emotional With Sister Chlöe at 'The Little Mermaid' Premiere (Exclusive)
Halle Bailey's no. 1 fan is her own sister, and their sweet moment on the carpet at Monday's premiere of made that abundantly clear.As Halle's sister, Chlöe Bailey, spoke with ET's Nischelle Turner on the blue carpet in Hollywood, their chat was punctuated by Halle's arrival — which led to the pair yelling as they ran across the carpet to one another and embraced.It was a heartwarming and emotional moment of sisterly love that had Halle beaming as she came to speak with ET shortly after.«Oh my gosh, I'm so happy that my sister's here,» Halle gushed.
‘The Little Mermaid’ First Reactions Praise Halle Bailey’s ‘Astonishing’ Ariel, Question if Remake Lives Up to Animated Original
Disney’s live-action remake of “The Little Mermaid” starring Halle Bailey. With the film’s Los Angeles premiere now concluding, first reactions to the musical have begun to hit social media. Ahead of its May 26 debut in theaters, Disney unveiled footage of “The Little Mermaid” at last month’s CinemaCon in Las Vegas, showing an early glimpse at Melissa McCarthy singing “Poor Unfortunate Souls” as Ursula. Variety also reported that director Rob Marshall and his husband, producer John DeLuca, held a private screening of the film, with a guest list including Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, Matt Damon and Ben Platt. The star-studded audience apparently applauded after each musical number and continued to rave during a post-screening reception.
Halle Bailey On The Cultural Impact Playing Ariel In ‘The Little Mermaid’: “It Means The World To Me”
Halle Bailey is making a splash as the star of The Little Mermaid and during the Hollywood premiere of the Disney film she opened up about finally having audiences see her as Ariel on the big screen.
‘The Little Mermaid’: First Look At ‘Kiss The Girl’ Musical Number Airs During MTV Movie & TV Awards
During the 2023 MTV Movie & TV Awards a preview clip of The Little Mermaid air showcasing the scene with the “Kiss the Girl” musical number.
‘The Little Mermaid’ Clip: MTV Movie Awards Premieres ‘Kiss the Girl’ (Video)
MTV Movie and TV Awards. As in the famous 1989 animated film, Ariel, played by Bailey, has only a few days to win the heart of Prince Eric (Jonah Hauer-King) while in the form of a voiceless human.
How to Watch 'The Little Mermaid' — Live Action Remake Premiering May 26
, is finally coming to the big screen on Friday, May 26. After making a big splash when Disney dropped the first trailer last year, the live-action remake has been one of the most highly anticipated films of 2023.As we get closer to the film's release, tickets to see are now on sale and people are pouring in to see this movie in theaters. Be prepared for your breath to be taken away when the movie premieres by securing your tickets now.Enjoy the classic story of in Disney's live-action remake.