Walt Disney Studios just unveiled a first look at The Little Mermaid starring Grammy-nominated singer Halle Bailey.
The one-minute clip shows Bailey, who stars as Ariel, under the sea singing “Part of Your World.”
The Little Mermaid will hit theaters on May 26, 2023. “Can’t believe it’s happening,” Bailey wrote in an Instagram post.
According to the official synopsis, “The Little Mermaid is the beloved story of Ariel, a beautiful and spirited young mermaid with a thirst for adventure. The youngest of King Triton’s daughters, and the most defiant, Ariel longs to find out more about the world beyond the sea, and while visiting the surface, falls for the dashing Prince Eric.
While mermaids are forbidden to interact with humans, Ariel must follow her heart. She makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, which gives her a chance to experience life on land, but ultimately places her life – and her father’s crown – in jeopardy.”
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The Little Mermaid is directed by Rob Marshall and written by David Magee.
The film also features Daveed Diggs as the voice of Sebastian; Jacob Tremblay as the voice of Flounder; Awkwafina as the voice of Scuttle; Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric; Art Malik as Sir Grimsby; Noma Dumezweni as Queen Selina; Javier Bardem as King Triton; and Melissa McCarthy as Ursula.
In a cover story with Variety, Bailey opened up about playing the role of Ariel and what it means to little Black girls.
“I want the little girl in me and the little girls just like me who are watching to know that they’re special, and that they should be a princess in every single way,” Bailey said. “There’s no reason that they shouldn’t be. That reassurance was something that I needed.”
Watch Halle Bailey in the teaser trailer for Disney’s The Little Mermaid below.
