Disney may have found their Little Mermaid after all.
According to Variety, R&B Singer Halle Bailey is being looked at by Disney to play Ariel in the upcoming live-action version The Little Mermaid. Director Rob Marshall has spent the last couple of months searching for the right person to play the iconic role and sources close to Variety tell us that “Bailey has been a clear front runner from the beginning”. This lead role marks Bailey’s feature film debut.
If all goes according to plan, Bailey will be joining a cast that includes Jacob Tremblay and Awkwafina, while Melissa McCarthy is in talks to play Ursula.
Following the similar formula that other Disney live-action remakes have pursued, The Little Mermaid will plan on having the original songs from the beloved animated classic as well as new songs that will be composed by Alan Menken and Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Additional announcements regarding The Little Mermaid are expected in the coming weeks.
The live-action The Little Mermaid is hoping to start on production as soon as early 2020.