Chloe x Halle singer Halle Bailey has been cast as Ariel in the live-action The Little Mermaid. Director Rob Marshall said in a statement that while the search was “extensive” it soon became “abundantly clear” that Halle has a “rare combination of spirit, heart, youth, innocence and substance — plus a glorious singing voice — all intrinsic qualities necessary to play this iconic role.”
The Little Mermaid will be Halle’s breakout feature film role. In addition to performing music with her sister Chloe, the 19-year-old was seen on Grown-ish as Sky Forster. Awkwafina and Jacob Tremblay are also joining the cast and Melissa McCarthy is in talks to portray the sea witch, Ursula, though no official deal has been announced.
The film, which will contain both live-action and CGI, is set to begin production in 2020, and will be produced by Marshall, Marc Platt, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and John DeLuca. Miranda will reportedly team up with Alan Menken, the 1989 film’s original composer, on new music for the upcoming movie.
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