Halle Bailey Reflects on Her Role as Ariel in Disney's "The Little Mermaid"

Three years after the release of Disney’s live-action adaptation of "The Little Mermaid," Halle Bailey reflects on her experience portraying Ariel amidst significant public discourse. Bailey faced intense online harassment from some fans who opposed the casting of a Black actor in the iconic role. Despite this backlash, she describes her journey as ultimately liberating. In a recent interview, Bailey stated, “The Little Mermaid was a beautiful experience for me – and I feel like it taught me to listen to myself and the good voices inside. I learned how to block out the noise.”

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Bailey acknowledged the racial dynamics surrounding her casting, noting that as a Black person, she anticipated the backlash. She emphasized the importance of representation, saying, “It’s so important for us to see ourselves.” Her family played a crucial role in helping her cope with the negativity, sharing their own experiences with racism and encouraging her by highlighting the significance of her role for the Black community. Bailey recalled her grandparents' words of support, which reinforced the impact her casting could have on young Black and brown girls.

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Rob Marshall, the director of "The Little Mermaid," addressed the casting process, stating that there was “no agenda” behind the decision to cast Bailey. He clarified that the auditioning process included actors of “every ethnicity” and that the primary goal was to find the best performer for the role. Marshall remarked, “We just were looking for the best actor for the role, period. The end.”

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Despite the positive reflections from Bailey and Marshall, the casting decision sparked considerable debate. Critics argued that the choice was not about race, suggesting that the character of Ariel should remain true to her original depiction. This perspective was encapsulated in the trending hashtag #NotMyAriel, which emerged during the film's promotional period.

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• “It was actually freeing to be in the middle of this conversation where so many different opinions were coming in, and they were so opposite from one another…” — Halle Bailey, Actor

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• “It was an inspiring and beautiful thing to hear their words of encouragement, telling me, ‘You don’t understand what this is doing for us, for our community, for all the little Black and brown girls who are going to see themselves in you,’” — Halle Bailey, Actor

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• “We just were looking for the best actor for the role, period. The end,” — Rob Marshall, Director

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Bailey's experience with "The Little Mermaid" illustrates the complex interplay of race, representation, and personal growth in Hollywood. While she faced challenges, her reflections reveal a sense of empowerment and a commitment to fostering visibility for underrepresented communities. As Bailey continues her career, she remains grounded in her values, emphasizing the importance of perspective and gratitude in navigating the entertainment industry.

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