Halle Bailey has been cast as Ariel in Disney’s live action version of The Little Mermaid.
The 19-year-old singer, who is in a musical duo with her sister Chloe, has revealed that the role is a “dream come true” for her.
The film’s director Rob Marshall said: “After an extensive search, it was abundantly clear that Halle possesses that rare combination of spirit, heart, youth, innocence, and substance – plus a glorious singing voice – all intrinsic qualities necessary to play this iconic role.”
dream come true… ????????♀️???? pic.twitter.com/sndjYUS6wO
— chloe x halle (@chloexhalle) July 3, 2019
After her casting started trending on Twitter, people got confused by her name and thought that Oscar-winning actress Halle Berry had actually landed the role.
Poking fun at the mishap, the actual Halle Berry tweeted: “In case you needed a reminder… Halles get it DONE.”
“Congratulations @chloexhalle on this amazing opportunity, we can’t wait to see what you do! #TheLittleMermaid #HalleBailey.”
In case you needed a reminder… Halles get it DONE. Congratulations @chloexhalle on this amazing opportunity, we can’t wait to see what you do! #TheLittleMermaid #HalleBailey pic.twitter.com/z0Rik2nxRe
— Halle Berry (@halleberry) July 3, 2019
The singer replied: “this means the world. happy to share names with you ???????? love you lots.”
Halle wrote back: “You are amazing, THRILLED for you!! #BlackGirlMagic #TheHalleLegacy ♥️♥️♥️♥️.”
Halle and her sister Chloe landed a record deal, after their viral cover of Pretty Hurts caught Beyoncé’s eye back in 2013.
The duo remained close with Bey, and even opened for her and Jay Z during the US leg of their On The Run II tour last year.
As well as singing, both sisters are actors and star together in US sitcom Grown-ish.
The news comes after Variety reported that Melissa McCarthy is in talks to play Ursula in the live-action remake.
It’s believed the film will incorporate the original songs from the 1989 animation, as well as new songs from Alan Menken and Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Of course, this isn’t the first time Disney has adapted classic animated flicks into live-action features, as they’ve already recreated The Jungle Book, Dumbo, 101 Dalmatians, Maleficent, Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, and most recently Aladdin.
The highly anticipated remake of The Lion King opens next month, and Disney are currently working on live-action versions of Mulan, Pinocchio, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Lilo & Stitch, and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
Production on The Little Mermaid is expected to begin in early 2020.
