R&B singer Halle Berry has been cast as Ariel, in Disney’s just-announced live-action version of classic film The Little Mermaid.
Bailey has said it was a “dream come true” to play the lead role.
The casting came with much internet confusion, but not for the reasons you might expect. Upon hearing the news, many people on social media took to their relevant platforms to complain about the casting of ‘Halle Berry’.
Director Rob Marshall said that Bailey was cast because of her “rare combination of spirit, heart, youth, innocence, and substance — plus a glorious singing voice.”
Ariel has traditionally been portrayed as a pale-skinned redhead, and voiced by actress Jodi Benson.
Disney came under criticism last year for “whitewashing” princess Tiana in film Ralph Breaks the Internet. The studio quickly re-made the character with darker features in time for the launch.
Bailey is part of an Atlanta-based sister pop duo, Chloe x Halle. They received a Grammy award nomination for Best New Artist last year.
The Little Mermaid will be one in a line of live-action remakes of classic Disney movies, including the recent Aladdin and The Lion King.
Filming will begin later this year.
