By Grace McGettigan
04th Jul 2019
04th Jul 2019
On Wednesday, American singer Halle Bailey was confirmed to play the role of Ariel in Disney’s remake of ‘The Little Mermaid’. Now, fans are speculating about who’ll be chosen to play Prince Eric
Just as The Lion King and The Jungle Book before it, Disney classic The Little Mermaid is being given a live-action remake. The 1989 animation, which tells the story of a mermaid princess named Ariel, is based on a Danish fairytale of the same name by Hans Christian Andersen.
Disney’s original The Little Mermaid showed Ariel wishing to become human, after meeting (and falling in love with) a human prince named Eric. Famous songs Part of Your World and Under the Sea only added to its global success; with the film making an estimated $230 million at the box office.
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Now, 30 years on, director Rob Marshall is taking Ariel and Eric back to the big screen. Marshall will also produce the live-action film alongside John DeLuca, Marc Platt and Lin-Manuel Miranda; with production set to begin in early 2020.
Casting
On Wednesday, it was confirmed American singer Halle Bailey would take on the role of Ariel. Director Rob Marshall said in a statement, “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.”
Many fans have been praising the choice across social media; saying it’s wonderful to see a woman of colour in such an iconic, leading role.
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While there are some people criticising the choice, saying the new Ariel should look the same as the original (i.e. white with red hair), the majority of fans seem happy.
One Twitter user said, “The Little Mermaid has been played by many people, in many languages, with many hair colours. Disney’s not the first, or last. Giving the role of Ariel to Halle Bailey is amazing. It will give people of colour another princess. Diversity is amazing. Us white people have lots of princesses, shut the f*ck up.”
The little mermaid has been played by many ppl, in many languages, with many hair colors.
Disney’s not the first, or last.
Giving the role of Ariel to Halle Bailey, is amazing. It will give poc another princess. Diversity is amazing.
Us white ppl have lots of princesses, stfu.
— Destynnee the Zombie Lover (@Destynnee) July 4, 2019
Prince Eric
Now that Ariel has been cast, the question of ‘who will play Prince Eric’ is on everyone’s lips. While Disney has yet to confirm the actor behind the character, fans of The Little Mermaid have come up with some suggestions.
Which of these stars (if any) do you think best fits the role?
Nick Jonas
Jordan Fisher
Remy Hii
Alex Landi
Harry Styles
Some other fans have even suggested Prince Eric might be played by a woman. Who do you think best fits the role?
Feature image: The Little Mermaid, Disney
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