Entertainment
Halle Bailey ‘already wanted’ for another The Little Mermaid sequel after trailer response: ‘The viral trend gave Disney no choice’-Alicia Adejobi-Entertainment – Metro
The studio was reportedly blown away by the reactions of Black girls.
Halle Bailey will be making her debut as Ariel in The Little Mermaid next spring (Picture: Backgrid, Getty)
Disney have apparently wasted no time in snapping Halle Bailey up for a potential Little Mermaid sequel after seeing the heartwarming impact she had on young Black children after the trailer teaser.
The Chloe x Halle singer is set to take on the iconic role of Ariel in Disney’s live-action remake of the classic animation, set for release in 2023.
Halle was at the centre of a viral moment when the studio dropped a short teaser in September, with parents sharing the adorable reactions of their children – in particular small Black girls – to seeing a Black Ariel for the first time.
However, it also sparked racist comments from those who do not want the Disney princess to be portrayed by a Black actress.
It’s said that Disney were blown away by the positive response and have already had talks with Halle about the possibility of signing on for a sequel before the first reboot has even hit screens.
‘The response to the trailer alone gave Disney a positive indication that it had made the right choice,’ a source told Metro.co.uk.
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‘It was the viral trend of little Black girls responding to Halle in particular that gave them no choice but to invite her back for a sequel. Internal projections for its opening weekend skyrocketed so Disney would like her to star in a range of sequels and derivative work.’
The insider, who is close to both Halle and Disney, continued: ‘It’s almost impossible to tell how well a movie will do in today’s market because it’s so fragmented. The positive response Halle earned online told Disney all it needed to know.’
All the reactions from little Black girls around the world were adorable (Picture: Disney/Backgrid/@preciousavery)
Halle could already have signed up for a Little Mermaid sequel (Picture: Getty Images)
Halle, 22, was overwhelmed by the incredible viral trend but also addressed the racism she was subjected to after the trailer release.
In a recent YouTube video, she explained: ‘I remember at the very, very beginning of filming I was way more timid than I was coming out of it so I kind of felt like I grew with Ariel’s character in a way and that makes me really happy so yeah I think that was kind of the biggest takeaway for me is just to believe in myself and know that I’m worthy.
‘And even still today with all of the commentary and people’s opinions going on, it just reminds me to be number one grounded and grateful that I have this opportunity and the fact that it’s sparking such a discussion for all of us.’
She added: ‘I mean, I know what it would’ve meant to me as a little girl to have been able to see a Black Ariel.
‘When I was younger, if I would’ve seen that, it would have changed my whole outlook on life so the fact that I’m kind of getting to do that is really cool and unbelievable to me and the little girl inside of me is screaming and freaking out.’
The Little Mermaid is set to hit cinemas on May 26, 2023.
Metro.co.uk has reached out to Hailey and Disney’s reps for comment.
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