Halle Bailey was the first to audition for the beloved and coveted role of Ariel in Disney's live-action “The Little Mermaid.” After Bailey belted out the classic showstopper “Part of Your World” from the original 1989 film, director Rob Marshall and the other filmmakers knew that she was the one for the role.

Why did Halle Bailey audition for The Little Mermaid?

In 2019 her agent told her that, after seeing her perform at the Grammys, director Rob Marshall wanted her to audition. Bailey figured the part was “one of the sisters or something like that,” she tells Glamour exclusively.

Who was originally supposed to play Ariel?

The film's director Rob Marshall has shared Bailey was the perfect choice due to her “rare combination of spirit, heart, youth, innocence” (via D23) – a sentiment echoed by original Ariel actor Jodi Benson.

Did Zendaya audition for The Little Mermaid?

Director Rob Marshall had auditioned the crème de la crème of young Hollywood for the role, and even Zendaya was rumored to have read for the part. But it was movie newcomer Bailey who won the coveted lead.

How much did Halle Bailey get paid for Little Mermaid?

It's believed that Bailey made about $1.5 million for her role as Ariel in The Little Mermaid, but that number could increase depending on how well the film performs opening weekend and beyond.

Belle casting bad, Ariel casting good. (& why that's ironic)

How much did Melissa McCarthy get for Little Mermaid?

Melissa McCarthy, who played the devious Ursula in the live-action, made $500,000 for her work in the film. Other cast members received more modest salaries for their supporting roles.

How did Jodi Benson get the role of Ariel?

In late 1986, Benson first heard of the audition for The Little Mermaid through lyricist and playwright Howard Ashman. The two had just worked together in the Broadway show Smile until its run ended early. He knew she would be the perfect fit for the role and that she would be a great replica of Ariel.

Who auditioned for Ariel in The Little Mermaid live-action?

Director Rob Marshall reveals what it was like seeing Halle Bailey's initial audition for Ariel. “The first actor we saw for this role was Halle. The first thing she did is she came in and sang for us. She shut her eyes and started to sing the song.

Is Queen Latifah in The New Little Mermaid?

(MORE: 'Little Mermaid Live': Who will play Ariel, Ursula, Sebastian and more!) Queen Latifah stars alongside actress Auli'i Cravalho who will play Ariel and reggae singer Shaggy who will play Ariel's friend, Sebastian.

Did Ariel get recast?

Halle Bailey, who's just 22, was cast as Ariel back in 2019. She's half of musical duo Chloe x Halle, along with her sister, and she plays Skyler Forster in the sitcom Grown-ish. Halle Berry, of course, is an entirely different actress.

Who else auditioned for Ursula?

Lizzo showcased her audition for The Little Mermaid's Ursula in a since-privated viral video. She didn't get the part, but she "was down to make Ursula a THOT, shaking ass." The role went to Melissa McCarthy, whom Lizzo met during a taping of Adele's "One Night Only" concert.

Did Lizzo audition for Ursula?

Lizzo Reflects on Her 'Terrible' Audition for 'The Little Mermaid' Remake: 'I Was Down to Make Ursula a THOT' "The singing was great. I'll just say that," the singer shared of going for the role.

Did Halle Bailey dye her hair for Little Mermaid?

“But I really did admire the fact that because I'm a Black woman and I have locs, [the producers] wanted to incorporate that into Ariel's look,” she added. To get the look, Halle Bailey worked with hairstylist Camille Friend to dye her roots red and wrap her locks in the same hued hair.

Does Halle Bailey really sing in The Little Mermaid?

So far, Halle Bailey has received glowing reviews for her portrayal of Ariel with audiences impressed by her amazing voice singing the classic “A Part of Your World.”

How was Halle Bailey discovered?

According to a 2016 Rolling Stone report, Halle was first discovered by Beyoncé after the pop queen came across Chloe x Halle's cover of her track “Pretty Hurts.” This was followed by Queen Bey sharing the clip on her Facebook page in 2014, and finally securing the musical duo a contract worth USD 1 million dollars ...

Will Simone Ashley be in Little mermaid?

Simone Ashley, known for her role in Bridgerton, also appears in Disney's live-action remake of The Little Mermaid.

Is Queen Latifah playing Ursula?

' She may have played the villain, but Queen Latifah was the hero of the small-screen musical.

Is Queen Latifah married to?

At the BET Awards 2021, during her acceptance speech for the Lifetime Achievement Award, she publicly acknowledged her partner Eboni Nichols and son Rebel for the first time, ending the speech with "happy Pride!"

How did Halle Bailey get the role of Ariel?

Halle Bailey was the first to audition for the beloved and coveted role of Ariel in Disney's live-action “The Little Mermaid.” After Bailey belted out the classic showstopper “Part of Your World” from the original 1989 film, director Rob Marshall and the other filmmakers knew that she was the one for the role.

Why is a black actress playing Ariel?

On the significance of casting a Black actress as Ariel

Sherri Hope Culver: To have a Disney character who is not just a princess but a live-action, real flesh and blood person that children can be inspired by is important. This is because people of color are less likely to see themselves reflected in the media.

What did Jodi Benson say to Halle Bailey?

Halle Bailey says Jodi Benson told her “how proud she was of me & how I'm handling everything” with THE LITTLE MERMAID. “I appreciate her for being so warm & welcoming to me because she's the GOAT, it was important to get her stamp of approval” (Source: latimes.com/entertainment-…)

How does Jodi Benson feel about The Little Mermaid?

“I loved everything that she did with the film,” Benson said. “I love the acting, I love the singing and just the pure spirit. Her beautiful love for the character comes through. It's just a beautiful, beautiful performance.”