HALLE Bailey has been revealed in her enchanting The Little Mermaid role for the first time as a trailer for Disney’s live-action remake was released.
The actress has taken on the role of the underwater princess, created by Hans Christian Anderson, who is on a quest to find true love.
Halle Bailey has been revealed in her enchanting The Little Mermaid role
Halle is seen in mermaid Ariel’s signature purple bra top and shimmering turquoise fin
The adorable fin-donning character has red hair, white skin and blue eyes in the famous 1989 Disney animation.
Yet she’s set for a new look in the latest movie, whose trailer begins with a choppy sea and the multicoloured fish and flowers that lie beneath.
Tinkling piano music accompanies the scenes which show turtles swimming and he camera panning around on an adventure through the coral.
A shimmering fin adds a splash of colour as Ariel, played by Halle, waves through willow trees, keeping the entirety of her face covered as she flicks through her territory.
She is seen swirling around before the camera pans to Halle’s face, showing of her flowing brunette dreadlocks, as she sings the film’s iconic hit Part Of Your World.
As the camera reverses upwards, her mermaid outfit can be seen in full glory, with a purple bra top and turquoise tail.
Disney then reveals the film will be released in May 2023.
Previously, The Celeb Report reported how The Little Mermaid fans were at war during a bitter online race row over casting.
The new direction for the big budget reboot has delighted many who claim that millions of girls of colour around the world deserve a Disney heroine they can relate to.
But others who grew up watching the red headed mermaid have accused filmmakers of removing the essence of Ariel.
Speaking in defence of 19-year-old Halle’s casting, one person wrote: “When I was younger, I loved The Little Mermaid because Ariel had hair like mine. That was important to me, people were mean.
“And now, a different group of kids are getting a Little Mermaid that looks like them. Representation is really important to kids.”
The filmmakers are confident in their decision, insisting Halle has all the attributes to deliver a memorable performance.
Director Rob Marshall said: “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.”
While the actress herself said it was a “dream come true”.
The film will feature songs from the 1989 animated classic – including favourites Under the Sea, Part of Your World and Kiss the Girl.
There will also be new tunes from original composer Alan Menken and “Hamilton” creator Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Meanwhile Disney’s original animation wasn’t free from scandal and it was revealed a “bulge” had to be cut out as one character appeared over-excited in a scene.
The live action movie is a remake of the famous 1989 Disney animation
Halle’s casting initially caused controversy
The actress is heard singing the film’s hit, Part Of Your World
