Halle Bailey will be Disney’s next big star.
On Wednesday, it was announced that the 19-year-old singer and actress will make her feature film debut as Ariel in the live-action adaptation of “The Little Mermaid.”
According to Variety, Director Rob Marshall says that it was “abundantly clear” that Bailey was the best fit for the role. Industry insiders even say she has been the “front runner from the beginning.”
“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,” said Marshall in a statement.
After the news broke, Bailey tweeted “dream come true,” along with a photo of what fans interpreted to be her as a mermaid.
Bailey is best known as one-half of the R&B duo Chloe x Halle. The group, which features her older sister Chloe Bailey is signed to Beyoncé’s Parkwood Entertainment label and even opened up for Queen Bey on the European leg of the Formation Tour.
As far as acting goes, the sisters are currently apart of the reoccurring cast of Freeform’s ’Grown-ish,’ which stars Yara Shahidi.
Production for “Mermaid” reportedly begins in early 2020.
