July 3 (UPI) — Disney cast singer Halle Bailey as Ariel in its live-action adaptation of “The Little Mermaid” on Wednesday.
Director Rob Marshall announced the casting in a statement, saying he spent several months meeting with talent in search of a lead for the film, Variety reported.
“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,” he said.
The film will be the feature film debut for the 19-year-old Bailey, who is best known for performing in the R&B group Chloe x Halle with her sister Chloe Bailey.
“Dream come true,” the group’s Twitter account wrote.
chloe x halle✔@chloexhalle
Bailey will join the cast, which already includes Jacob Tremblay and Awkwafina, while Melissa McCarthy is in discussions to play the villain Ursula. Bailey appears in “Black-ish” spinoff “Grown-ish” with her sister and Sara Shahidi.
