Disney’s live-action The Little Mermaid actress Halle Bailey responded to the recent casting controversy.
Bailey spoke to Variety while on the red carpet telling them, “I feel like I’m dreaming. I’m just grateful and I don’t pay attention to the negativity. This role was something bigger than me and greater. And it’s going to be beautiful. I’m just so excited to be apart of it.”
Halle Bailey on her new #LittleMermaid role: “I don’t pay attention to the negativity; I just feel like this role is something bigger than me” https://t.co/pidgYYQ0lw pic.twitter.com/rmUxbFSuYY
— Variety (@Variety) August 7, 2019
Bailey was announced to play Ariel in the upcoming live-action remake from director Rob Marshall back in July. (Related: Disney Announces Race-Swapped Ariel with Actress Halle Bailey For “Live-Action Reimagining” of The Little Mermaid)
Marshall commented on Bailey’s casting at the time:
“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.”
Disney had previously responded to the controversy in an Instagram post from their Freeform account. (RELATED: Disney Responds to The Little Mermaid Casting Controversy: “Danish *People* Can Be Black”)
What do you make of Bailey’s response to the controversy? Do you plan on seeing the live-action remake of The Little Mermaid?