Halle Bailey’s Emotional Reveal of New The Little Mermaid Doll
Halle Bailey shared her emotional first look at the new Ariel doll as the release of the live-action remake of Disney’s The Little Mermaid approaches.
On Monday, Bailey gave the world a first look at the new doll in a video posted on Instagram and Twitter. In the clip, Bailey announced, “Today I have something really exciting to reveal to you all. I am gonna cry.”
The singer and actress then brought the doll into the frame, radiating enthusiasm. As she gazed at the doll in her hands Bailey became noticeably emotional. Holding it she shared, “This is the new Little Mermaid doll. I am literally choking up because this means so much to me. And to have one that looks like me that’s my favorite Disney character is very surreal.”
She also excitedly noted, “She even has my mole,” concluding the video by stating, “I’m just stunned so, I don’t quite know what to do with it but I’m gonna steal this and take it home and hide it forever.” There was immediate support for the new doll online, with fans already gearing up to get their hands on one when they hit the selves.
Halle Bailey showing off the Little mermaid doll was so wholesome. Can’t wait for this movie 🧜♀️
— Tessa ✨ (@TessaSneyers) March 6, 2023
THE HALLE BAILEY LITTLE MERMAID DOLL OH MY GOD🥹💝💝💝
— ♡ (@elbailedelaluna) March 6, 2023
Halle Bailey portrayed Ariel in Disney’s upcoming live-action remake of their classic movie, The Little Mermaid. Bailey is the first Black actress to ever fulfill this role. Undoubtedly, this is a commendable step forward for equal representation in film and media. But, while there is plenty of positive anticipation surrounding this film, there has also been a great deal of controversy.
When an official teaser for the upcoming movie was released, it received immediate and highly unnecessary backlash for casting a woman of color to perform as Ariel. In a recent interview with The Face, Bailey commented on the backlash stating, “As a Black person, you just expect it and it’s not really a shock anymore.” Choosing to focus on her positive impact, Bailey noted, “People don’t understand that when you’re Black there’s this whole other community. It’s so important for us to see ourselves.”
Bailey’s emotional response to seeing herself as the Ariel doll is an important moment that will surely be felt by many others when the doll is released in stores this Spring.
The Little Mermaid is set to premiere in theaters on May 26. Until then, watch the official teaser below.
