Halle Bailey celebrates first anniversary of 'The Little Mermaid' casting, fans call her 'most perfect choice'
While for many, today is a day to celebrate the American Independence Day, July 4 holds a different kind of significance for actor Halle Bailey. It's been a year since she was cast in the live-action remake of 'The Little Mermaid', and with production paused, it's going to be a while yet before we get to see her "Under The Sea." On July 4, 2019, Halle Bailey's casting for the lead role of Ariel in 'The Little Mermaid' was a controversial decision that drew much ire for Disney purists. They objected to the casting of an African American actress in the role of the traditionally Caucasian Ariel, with the hashtag #NotMyAriel making the rounds on social media. The announcement for the remake was made as early as 2016. The film's cast also includes Melissa McCarthy as Ursula, Jacob Tremblay as Flounder and Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric.
Bailey retweeted her original post about her casting from 2019, adding, "Can’t believe this was a year ago today." However, there are still some people who are dead set against this casting, as replies to Halle's tweet reveal. "Mmmm yeah i still don’t agree with this casting. it just doesn’t sit right with me, changing ariels race. she’s the most iconic disney princess and to change her," writes one Twitter user. "It still doesn't make sense. They would never make Pocahontas white or Mulan black for example," writes another. However, fans of the remake's casting choices have rallied to Halle's support. "Ariel isn’t based on white culture, it’s based on myths. Mermaids can be black. Find a better argument," writes one fan. "I literally FREAKED OUT when I heard this. My mind was blown because this was THE MOST PERFECT CHOICE Disney could've gone with. LITERAL PRINCESS ENERGY. ETHEREAL AURA. FAIRY FACE. and im SO HAPPY little black girls will have another princess to look up to," writes another.
The remake was set to release later this year, but in March 2020 it was confirmed that production had been halted due to the pandemic response. However, it's been confirmed that the music for the film has already been written and recorded. The current release date for the film is November 19, 2021, but given that Disney still hasn't found the safest time or method of releasing their other big live-action remake 'Mulan' despite it being completed, it is uncertain as to whether or not that date might be pushed back yet again.