Halle Bailey Unveils New Teaser for Little Mermaid Movie
Star of the new Disney live-action Little Mermaid reboot, Halle Bailey, posted a new look into the film as the company celebrates its 100th year of magic.
Bailey has been the center of excitement ever since Disney announced the singer’s casting as Ariel back in July 2019. Promotion has only increased since then. Although news of the remake was confirmed since 2016, both the star and the company have continuously posted first looks, trailers, and teasers since 2019, to the delight of fans. The hype has increased tenfold in the past four years as fans are more than ready to witness Bailey’s stardom on screen as a talented Black woman portraying a beloved childhood princess.
Known for being part of the popular pop sister duo Chloe X Halle, Bailey has been training for over a decade as a professional singer and was even a protégé of Beyoncé with her sister as a young girl. Although she has unfortunately been the target of racial backlash as a Black artist in the role of Ariel, every look into the film demonstrates her success and talent. The singer has always remained strong and determined in the public eye, never faltering as she continues to prove her success.
In October 2022, Bailey posted a teaser poster illustrating the beautiful film in a nostalgic and magical way. The singer has been flooded with positivity and validation in the comments, commending her for being the first live-action Black Disney princess and representing Black excellence in her role.
More of the rapidly approaching film was seen when Bailey and Disney tweeted a short teaser giving fans an inside look.
The clip begins as Bailey shows off her impressive voice and Disney shows off its impressive CGI effects. Singing the iconic “Part of Your World” song, Bailey’s strong melodies demonstrate she is more than capable of doing the role justice.
The references to the original 1989 movie are countless. Bailey swims through the beautifully CGI-produced Atlantis, interacting with fishy friends and life-like sea creatures. A scene with Jonah Hauer-King, playing Prince Eric, hints at the classic “Kiss the Girl” scene and illustrates the vibrant chemistry between the actors. The video also gives audiences their first look into Melissa McCarthy as Ursula in a quick ending scene.
i’m so very excited to continue the #Disney100 celebration with this new look at #TheLittleMermaid 🧜🏽♀️just 100 days until it arrives in theaters! 💕 pic.twitter.com/Ux8os3EKFD
— Halle (@HalleBailey) February 15, 2023
Still, the film aims to refresh and modernize the film, not only through diversifying it. According to People magazine, Lin Manuel-Miranda, known for Hamilton and In The Heights, has contributed to creating some original tracks for the film. Additionally, the casting of Daveed Diggs as Sebastian hints at R&B and hip-hop influences in the film, as was apparent in Disney’s Moana which also utilized the songwriting of Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Fans are only getting more excited as the movie’s release date – in just 100 days – grows nearer. A heartwarming video of children reacting to the trailer went viral last September as young Black girls reacted to being beautifully and magically represented. Referring to Bailey as Ariel, one young girl enthusiastically exclaims, “She’s like me!”
Audiences can be part of Ariel’s world when The Little Mermaid film premieres in theaters on May 26, 2023.
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