Hey there, movie fans! With Disney all set to cast a spell on audiences again this summer with their live-action version of The Lion King, the studio just dropped some major news about another beloved animated classic, The Little Mermaid. You won’t believe who’s stepping into the iconic fins of Ariel—none other than Halle Bailey, the breakout star of Grownish and one-half of the dynamic R&B duo Chloe x Halle. Let’s dive into this exciting update!

Halle Bailey: The Perfect Ariel

According to Rob Marshall, the visionary director behind Mary Poppins Returns, the decision to cast Halle Bailey as Ariel wasn’t just a stroke of luck—it was destiny. In a statement, Marshall shared, “After an exhaustive search, it became crystal clear that Halle embodies that rare blend of spirit, heart, youth, innocence, and depth—all qualities essential to playing this legendary role. And let’s not forget her breathtaking singing voice, which will captivate audiences just like the original did.”

Jodi Benson: The Voice of a Generation

Jodi Benson, the original voice of Ariel, spoke with StageBuddy.com about her excitement for the new adaptation. Benson reminisced, “When I was growing up, Disney’s Cinderella era was all the rage, but becoming a Disney Princess or working with Disney was never even on my radar. I was all about Broadway and stage work back then. Little did I know that God had other plans for me. It’s incredible how life takes unexpected turns, and I’m so grateful for the journey. Playing Ariel was never part of my blueprint, but it’s become such a cherished chapter in my life.”

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Benson went on to explain how she relates to Ariel on a personal level. “Ariel and I have more in common than you might think,” she said. “As a kid, I connected deeply with her tenacity and determination. Those qualities make her relatable and real. In today’s world, where challenges seem endless, it’s crucial to hold onto hope and dreams. Life isn’t always easy, but Ariel teaches us the importance of perseverance. Even now, as an adult, I draw inspiration from her courage to keep fighting and moving forward, no matter the obstacles.”

Who Else Is Joining the Cast?

Now, let’s talk about the rest of the dream team bringing The Little Mermaid to life. Alongside Halle Bailey, we’ve got Jacob Tremblay stepping into the role of Flounder, Ariel’s loyal fishy best friend. Fans of The Book of Henry and Stephen King’s Doctor Sleep will recognize Tremblay’s undeniable talent. Plus, Awkwafina, the hilarious and versatile actress from Ocean’s 8 and Crazy Rich Asians, is set to voice Scuttle, the lovable seagull. And if rumors hold true, Melissa McCarthy could soon join the cast as the sinister Ursula. Negotiations are reportedly underway, so stay tuned!

Alan Menken and Lin-Manuel Miranda: A Musical Match Made in Heaven

Now, here’s where things get really exciting—music lovers, gather ‘round! The soundtrack for this new adaptation promises to be nothing short of magical. Legendary composer Alan Menken, who brought the original songs to life, is teaming up with none other than Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda. Yes, you read that right—the man behind some of Broadway’s biggest hits is joining forces with Rob Marshall, whom he previously worked with on Mary Poppins Returns. This collaboration is sure to deliver fresh takes on timeless classics while introducing new tunes that’ll leave audiences humming long after the credits roll.

More Disney Magic on the Horizon

Of course, The Little Mermaid isn’t the only Disney remake in the works. Fans can also look forward to live-action adaptations of Mulan, Pinocchio, and Lady and the Tramp. Interestingly, the latter will premiere exclusively on Disney+, the highly anticipated streaming service launching this November. With so many iconic stories being reimagined, it’s clear that Disney is doubling down on its commitment to bringing these beloved tales to a whole new generation.

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