In a groundbreaking move that sent shockwaves through Hollywood, Halle Bailey emerged as the unrivaled star destined to take on the iconic role of Ariel in Disney’s highly anticipated 2023 adaptation of The Little Mermaid. Director Rob Marshall and producer John DeLuca left no stone unturned in their exhaustive search for the perfect candidate, but it was Bailey who stood head and shoulders above the rest, capturing the hearts of the casting team from her very first audition.
Bailey’s journey to claim the role was nothing short of extraordinary. With hundreds of actresses vying for the opportunity to embody the beloved mermaid princess, it was Bailey who seized the moment and left an indelible mark on everyone present. The auditions spanned a diverse range of talent, encompassing individuals from all ethnic backgrounds, yet Bailey’s sheer brilliance eclipsed any competition. Director Rob Marshall, overcome with emotion, revealed, “We saw everybody and every ethnicity, and Halle claimed the role for herself. She set the bar so high it never came close to others.” Such was the power of Bailey’s audition that Marshall found himself moved to tears, captivated by her profound connection to the essence of Ariel and the emotions she evoked through her singing.
DeLuca, equally enamored with Bailey’s undeniable talent, expressed his unwavering support for the actress, stating, “The goal was to find someone who was innocent and passionate and strong and vulnerable. And Halle had all the qualities.” The filmmakers were prepared to offer Bailey the role without hesitation, but a final seal of approval was required from Disney executives. However, any apprehension about casting a non-white actress as Ariel was swiftly dispelled. Marshall affirmed, “Not at all. Not for one second. We did a screen test, and [Disney CEO] Bob Iger saw the screen test and within moments he said, ‘One hundred percent, she is the one.'”
From the instant Bailey’s casting was announced, an outpouring of celebration erupted within Black communities, accompanied by heartfelt videos capturing the sheer joy of children watching an Ariel who finally looked like them. Bailey, aware of the significance of her portrayal, humbly expressed, “I just hope that they know they are worthy and we deserve to be in these spaces. I hope that they see themselves through me on the screen.” Gratitude filled her words as she acknowledged the trailblazers who paved the way before her, like Brandy and Anika Noni Rose, who served as the blueprint for her own journey. Bailey’s excitement and anticipation were palpable, representing a milestone not only for herself but for the collective dreams of countless individuals who have yearned for representation.
Yet, amidst the chorus of jubilation, there were discordant voices of prejudice. Bailey faced a wave of racist backlash from critics who believed a Black Ariel would tarnish the beloved legacy of the original film. To such detractors, Marshall delivered a resounding message of unity and progress, declaring, “To the people who don’t agree with our casting, it feels so small-minded, and that’s what the film is about—to not be afraid of someone who is not like you.” He found the persistence of racism in the modern era disheartening, emphasizing the timeliness of embracing diversity in a world increasingly divided. Marshall’s fervent hope is that this enchanting tale of a mermaid can serve as a powerful reminder of our shared humanity.
oining Bailey in this groundbreaking production is a diverse ensemble cast, bringing together talent from around the globe. Academy Award winner Javier Bardem takes on the role of Ariel’s father, King Triton, while the vivacious Awkwafina lends her voice to the beloved seabird Scuttle. Adding to the tapestry of this magical world are Simone Ashley, known for her role in Bridgerton, as one of Ariel’s seven sisters, and British newcomer Jonah Hauer-King as the charming Prince Eric. The incomparable Melissa McCarthy assumes the mantle of the sea witch Ursula, with the remarkable Jacob Tremblay as the lovable Flounder. And stealing every scene is the magnetic Daveed Diggs, infusing boundless energy into the character of Sebastian the crab.
Diggs, a Tony Award-winning talent renowned for his role in Hamilton, embarked on a transformative journey to bring his own interpretation to Sebastian. Immersing himself in the vibrant Caribbean culture, he worked with vocal coaches to cultivate an accent that pays homage to the original character while remaining authentic to himself. Diggs admitted that discovering the range of his voice, both in speaking and singing, proved to be an exhilarating challenge.
Diggs’s vocal prowess is showcased in his rendition of the beloved tune “Under the Sea” in the live-action remake. Initially daunting, his fears were assuaged when he witnessed Bailey’s extraordinary talent firsthand. Their collaboration on the song breathed new life into the beloved classic, leaving Diggs awestruck by Bailey’s phenomenal abilities. A testament to their harmonious partnership, Diggs shared, “We ended up singing ‘Under the Sea’ together.”
True to its origins, the film embraces most of Howard Ashman and Alan Menken’s timeless songs from the original, including “Part of Your World,” “Kiss the Girl,” and “Poor Unfortunate Souls.” Menken, joined by the brilliant Lin-Manuel Miranda, also penned new anthems for the film, such as the powerful Ariel ballad “For the First Time” and Prince Eric’s captivating serenade “Wild Uncharted Waters.” Another highlight is the playful duet “Scuttlebutt,” performed by Awkwafina’s Scuttle and Diggs’s Sebastian, adding a touch of whimsy to the narrative as they navigate the complexities of Prince Eric’s intentions. Diggs, buzzing with excitement, eagerly anticipates sharing this special song with audiences, stating, “It’s fun and a special song. I can’t wait for people to hear it.”
With Halle Bailey as the beacon of this remarkable production, Disney’s 2023 adaptation of The Little Mermaid promises to be an extraordinary cinematic experience. It serves as a testament to the power of diversity, reminding us all that, in the face of adversity, we are united by our shared humanity. As Marshall and DeLuca encourage, open yourself up, shed your preconceptions, and allow the enchantment of this timeless tale to sweep you away into a world where dreams know no bounds.
