Disney signs Halle Bailey as Ariel in live-action remake of ‘The Little Mermaid’

Disney’s forthcoming live-action ‘Little Mermaid’ is set to star actress and singer Halle Bailey as Ariel, as the actress confirmed the news through her Twitter handle.

“Dream come true” she tweeted, sharing a photoshopped image of a black version of Ariel. The 19-year-old, who is in musical duo ‘Chloe X Halle’ with her sister Chloe, was cast after an extensive search.

dream come true... 🧜🏽‍♀️🌊 pic.twitter.com/sndjYUS6wO

— chloe x halle (@chloexhalle) 3 July 2019

“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," director Rob Marshall said in a statement, CNN reported.

Halle will make her film debut with the iconic role. Other cast members in talks for the movie are ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ star Awkwafina as Scuttle, Melissa McCarthy as Ursula and ‘Wonder’ star Jacob Tremblay as Flounder.

The announcement marks the first time Disney has cast a woman of color in the role of a traditionally white princess for one of its live-action remakes.

News of the casting was praised on Twitter, with many people remarking on the significance of a young black woman taking on the role.