Disney's live-action movie "The Little Mermaid" announces black actress, sparking heated debate

Disney's live-action version of "The Little Mermaid" has officially announced the actress and singer Halle Bailey will play the mermaid Ariel. She has starred in "Grown Up" and is a member of the singing group Chloe X Halle. The fact that a black person plays the role of the Little Mermaid has caused heated discussions among netizens.

Halle Bailey's image is very different from the character of the Little Mermaid, and her name is very similar to the actress Halle Berry, which disappointed many fans who thought that Halle Berry played the mermaid.

The film is adapted from Disney's classic animation of the same name. Melissa McCarthy (Spy) is expected to play the villain Ursula, Jacob Tremblay (Wonder, Room) and Awkwafina (Crazy Rich Asians, Ocean's 8) are expected to play Ariel's friends Flounder and Scuttle, the seagull.

Halle Bailey

The director is Rob Marshall (Chicago, Memoirs of a Geisha, Into the Woods), who just collaborated with Disney on Mary Poppins Returns. The screenwriter is Jane Goodman (Kingsman: The Golden Circle, X-Men: First Class). The music is composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Disney legendary composer Alan Menken, who will compose new songs. The film may be shot in Puerto Rico, Cape Town and other places, and is expected to start shooting in early 2020.

Rob Marshall said: "After an extensive search, it was discovered that Halle possesses the rare combination of qualities - soul, heart, youth, innocence and strength, plus a stunning singing voice - necessary to play this iconic role."

Actress and singer Halle Bailey also wrote on her Twitter account: "Dreams come true."