Ariel is one of the most iconic Disney princesses of all time. She first appeared in the animated movie “The Little Mermaid,” which was released in 1989. The character of Ariel is known for her curiosity, her love of adventure, and her desire to explore the world beyond the sea. Over the years, Ariel has become a beloved character, and her story has been adapted into various forms of media, including a Broadway musical and a live-action movie. In this essay, we will explore who played Ariel in the Little Mermaid, and provide details about her casting, her career, and her impact on the entertainment industry.
Halle Bailey as Ariel
In July 2019, it was announced that Halle Bailey had been cast as Ariel in the live-action version of “The Little Mermaid.” Bailey is a talented actress and singer who is known for her work as one half of the musical duo Chloe x Halle. She was born on March 27, 2000, in Atlanta, Georgia, and began her career in the entertainment industry at a young age. Bailey and her sister Chloe gained popularity on YouTube, and were eventually discovered by Beyoncé, who signed them to her record label, Parkwood Entertainment.
Bailey’s casting as Ariel was met with both excitement and controversy. Many fans were thrilled to see a person of color cast in the role of Ariel, as it represented a step towards greater diversity and inclusivity in Hollywood. However, others were upset that the traditionally white character had been cast as a person of color. Despite the controversy, Bailey remained positive and focused on the significance of her casting. In an interview with Teen Vogue, she said, “I just feel like this role was something bigger than me and greater. And it’s going to be beautiful. I’m just so excited to be a part of it.”
Bailey’s casting as Ariel is a significant moment in Hollywood history. It represents a step towards greater representation and inclusivity in the entertainment industry, and has the potential to inspire other filmmakers and studios to take similar steps. Bailey’s casting is also significant because it shows that talent and ability are more important than race or ethnicity when it comes to casting leading roles.
Bailey’s Career
Halle Bailey’s casting as Ariel is not the first time she has made waves in the entertainment industry. She and her sister Chloe have been making music together since they were young, and have gained a large following on YouTube and other social media platforms. In 2018, they released their debut album, “The Kids Are Alright,” which was well-received by critics and fans alike.
In addition to her music career, Bailey has also acted in various TV shows and movies. She appeared in the TV series “Grown-ish” and “Austin & Ally,” and had a small role in the movie “Last Holiday.” Bailey’s role as Ariel in the Little Mermaid is her first leading role in a major motion picture, and is expected to be a breakout role for her.
Bailey’s impact on the entertainment industry
Halle Bailey’s casting as Ariel in the Little Mermaid is a significant moment in the entertainment industry. It represents a step towards greater representation and inclusivity, and has the potential to inspire other filmmakers and studios to take similar steps. Bailey’s casting is also significant because it shows that talent and ability are more important than race or ethnicity when it comes to casting leading roles.
Bailey’s casting has also brought attention to the issue of colorblind casting, which is the practice of casting actors without regard for their race or ethnicity. While some argue that colorblind casting is a step towards greater inclusivity, others argue that it can perpetuate systemic racism by erasing the experiences and identities of people of color. Bailey’s casting is an example of colorblind casting, and has sparked a larger conversation about the practice in Hollywood.
Bailey’s casting has also inspired other actors and actresses of color to speak out about the importance of representation in Hollywood. In an interview with Elle, actress Yara Shahidi said, “It’s so important to see ourselves represented on screen, and to see ourselves in positions of power and influence. Halle’s casting as Ariel is a step towards that, and I’m excited to see what the future holds.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, Halle Bailey’s casting as Ariel in the Little Mermaid is a significant moment in Hollywood history. Bailey is a talented actress and singer who has the potential to bring a fresh perspective to the role of Ariel, and her casting has the potential to inspire other filmmakers and studios to take similar steps towards greater representation. Bailey’s casting is also significant because it shows that talent and ability are more important than race or ethnicity when it comes to casting leading roles. Ultimately, Bailey’s casting is a step towards a more diverse and inclusive entertainment industry, and has the potential to promote understanding and empathy in society as a whole.
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