Mermaids in the Media

The upcoming live-action adaptation of “The Little Mermaid” has been making waves in the entertainment industry ever since it was announced. One of the most significant casting choices that stirred up the most buzz was the selection of Halle Bailey. Halle Bailey is an up-and-coming actress and singer, to play Ariel. I’m so excited to share my thoughts on why Halle Bailey’s casting in the live-action “Little Mermaid” movie matters so much.

As a little girl, I was a huge fan of Disney princesses just like many other kids out there. They were the epitome of beauty and grace. And they had a magical way of making us all feel like royalty. Being a redhead, I always felt a special connection to Ariel, the little mermaid. She was the first Disney princess with red hair. Seeing her on the screen made me feel seen and represented. Ariel was definitely a game changer for me, and I’m sure for many other red-headed girls out there.

Who is Halle Bailey?

Before I dive into why her casting matters, let’s talk about Halle Bailey. A talented actress and singer known for her work as one-half of the musical duo Chloe x Halle. Halle and her sister Chloe started uploading covers of popular songs on YouTube. They were discovered by Beyoncé in 2013. Since then, the sisters have released two critically acclaimed albums, performed at the Super Bowl, and appeared in TV shows and movies.

Halle Bailey’s Little Mermaid Casting

Now, let’s talk about the big news. The announcement that Halle Bailey would play Ariel in the live-action “Little Mermaid” movie was met with both excitement and backlash. Some fans of the original animated movie were upset at first. The character of Ariel, depicted as a fair-skinned, red-headed mermaid in the 1989 film, was now being played by a Black actress. However, others praised Disney for its decision to diversify the cast. This casting choice gives opportunities to talented performers who may not have otherwise had a chance to star in a big-budget Hollywood movie.

Why Halle Bailey’s Casting Matters

Halle Bailey’s casting in “The Little Mermaid” live-action movie is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it’s a step forward in Hollywood’s ongoing efforts to improve diversity and representation in film and television. With the lack of opportunities given to people of color in the entertainment industry, Bailey’s casting as Ariel is a positive step forward.

Secondly, Bailey’s casting as Ariel is a big win for young Black girls and other children of color. These girls have grown up without seeing many Disney princesses who look like them. Halle Bailey’s casting in the movie will give young girls of color someone to look up to and inspire them to dream big.

Finally, it shows that Disney is willing to take risks and make changes to its classic stories to keep them fresh and relevant. By casting Halle Bailey as Ariel, Disney is proving that they are not afraid to take chances on talented performers, no matter the race.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Halle Bailey’s casting as Ariel in the live-action “Little Mermaid” movie is a significant step forward for diversity and representation in the entertainment industry. Her casting will inspire young girls of color and other underrepresented groups to see themselves as princesses and dream big. It’s a game-changer and shows that Disney is not afraid to take risks and make changes to their classic stories to keep them fresh and relevant. I cannot wait to see what Halle Bailey brings to the role of Ariel when “The Little Mermaid” hits theaters.