Halle Bailey shares her thoughts on growing old with Ariel, casting controversies, and more 

Halle Bailey expressed strong confidence in the success of “The Little Mermaid” despite the ongoing controversies.

On March 20th, Halle Bailey sat down for an interview with the “Edition” magazine to talk of the live action version of “The Little Mermaid,” her relationship to Ariel. as well as address the ongoing controversies. 

“I pushed myself as far as I’ve ever pushed myself in life,” she said, recounting the days where she had to film in the water while on a harness for 13 hours.

“I’m really excited for my version of the film because we’ve definitely changed that perspective of just her wanting to leave the ocean for a boy,” Halle Bailey said, adding, “It’s way bigger than that. It’s about herself, her purpose, her freedom, her life and what she wants.”

Regarding the new direction for the Disney adaptation, Bailey said, “As women we are amazing, we are independent, we are modern, we are everything and above,” she continued, adding, “And I’m glad that Disney is updating some of those themes.”

Halle Bailey also expressed the joy of being cast as Ariel. She told the magazine, “It’s honestly been such a crazy ride, and I genuinely feel shocked and honored and grateful to be in this position. A lot of times, I have to pinch myself and be like, is this real life?”

Confessing Ariel as her favorite Disney princess, Bailey proudly said she grew up with the character, “I feel like I learned so much through her. I auditioned when I was 18, got the role when I was 19, and I turn 23 this year. So I genuinely feel like [Ariel] helped me grow up.”

Moreover, as she has been made well aware of the ongoing controversies, Bailey proudly expressed her position. 

“Seeing the world’s reaction to it was definitely a shock,” Bailey admitted, “but seeing all the babies’ reactions, all the brown and Black young girls, really tore me up emotionally.” 

Meanwhile, Disney’s live-action movie “The Little Mermaid” is scheduled to premiere on May 26th (North America).

Source: Edition