The Little Mermaid will soon be joining the “Disney Princess movies with live-action adaptations” club, and the singing mermaid will be portrayed by Grown-ish star Halle Bailey. While production for the upcoming film wrapped up in Italy back in July, the film’s release is still two years away.
While there have been leaked set photos of Bailey wearing some of Ariel’s iconic looks from the movie, not much is known about the upcoming live-action adaptation, and fans are eagerly waiting to see how Bailey will transform into the beloved mermaid.
However, Halle Bailey did prove that she’s perfect for the role when she channeled her inner Disney princess by singing at Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary special.
The 21-year-old actress sang The Lion King’s iconic “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” in front of the Magic Kingdom castle with a live orchestra, while a gorgeous fireworks display lit up the night sky.
To commemorate the event, Bailey posted a picture of herself posing in front of the Magic Castle in the pretty ball gown she wore for the performance. “Had the best time singing tonight,” the actress wrote in her Instagram post.
Fans loved her performance and have taken to social media to express their appreciation for the actress’ talent, as well as their anticipation towards seeing her as Ariel in the upcoming live action of The Little Mermaid.
Not me tearing up watching @HalleBailey perform for Disney’s 50th anniversary! 🥺🤎
If I was there I’d be SOBBING! Your voice is so angelic and you are so beautiful OMFGGGGG!
— TO (@taywiththefade) October 2, 2021
Just watched Halle Bailey's performance of "Can You Feel The Love Tonight" at Disney World 50th celebration, and WOW. She really is Ariel… she's… just… wow.
— 🅵🅻🆄🆇 🅽 🅵🅻🅾🆆 (@FluxArtistique) October 2, 2021
Can’t wait for @HalleBailey to be The Little Mermaid!!🧜🏽♀️ #HalleBailey Happy 50th Birthday Disney. #DisneyWorld50 https://t.co/k8QVQLL5rX
— Ժҽղíտҽ ɾҽղҽҽ (@deniserenee24) October 2, 2021
Halle Bailey closing the Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration is o powerful. I got literal goose bumps at that key change.
My girl is really about to have her moment and I don't know why that makes me so emotional.
— TypoTony (@Temptingtony2) October 2, 2021
Halle Bailey killed her performance at the 50th anniversary of Disney World!!!!! Absolutely beautiful!! So much elegance @HalleBailey #DisneyWorld50 #DisneyWorld @WaltDisneyWorld
— Candiiland 🍭 (@Candii_socute) October 2, 2021
#HalleBailey performed “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” from the #LionKing for #Disney’s 50th Anniversary ❤️#TheLittleMermaid soundtrack about to be a problem 😩 her voice is AMAZINGGGG pic.twitter.com/vpJpbLw8vL
— Tea With Tia ☕️ (@_TeaWithTia) October 2, 2021
The Little Mermaid will be Halle Bailey’s debut on the big screen. The 21-year-old actress started out on YouTube when she and her older sister Chloe would post covers of Beyoncee’s hits when they were teenagers. The duo eventually rose to fame, garnering a big following in the R&B and a total of five Grammy Award nominations.
The decision to cast Bailey as Ariel for the live action film was originally met with mixed reactions. While some were thrilled that Disney made the bold move to cast a woman of color for the role, others were not so happy with it, saying that it strays from the original animated film.
Hopefully a lot would change their minds and look forward to her role as Ariel, because Halle Bailey’s performance at Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary special has proven that she is perfect for the role.
The live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid is set to hit theaters on May 26, 2023.
