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The Voice of Ariel & Halle, as a Black Woman, will not be Defeated.

The talented next-gen artist, Halle Bailey, silences the dissension of being the black voice of Ariel. Will losing her voice in this live-action rendition of the Little Mermaid please the real-life antagonists of representation in movies of today? 

It seems the voices of lovers reminiscing are drowning out the noise of the individuals previously causing an uproar due to Ariel, a fictional character, being cast as a black woman in Disney’s re-rendition of the adventurous story. 

Bailey shares her Experience Auditioning for the Role

The entertainment film industry has been a challenging path for many trying to break out and obtain notable success, especially for people of color throughout the history of film-making. And Bailey shines a light on the importance of representation, and how it impacts the psyche of black and brown children growing up, as it did her. So despite the challenges, she came and rose to the occasion as this seemed to be one of her admirable motivations.

Since Disney’s announcement of Bailey’s casting as Ariel, the beloved underwater princess; 3 years have gone by and ‘Karens’ may finally be on to bigger fish to bother. But the question lingers out there: will the de facto mob still be hungry to pounce on this film teaser without any help from Ursala?

If there’s anyone that can shut the ignorance and racism down, it would be none other than the gifted singer, Halle Bailey. And she does this simply by tuning out the negativity.

“I don’t pay attention to the negativity; I just feel like this role is something bigger than me.”

Halle Bailey

Bailey joins the many viewers on September 9, 2022, for the first time ever, to see the release of the new teaser trailer propelled by Disney’s cartoon visuals brought to life by director, Rob Marshall. 

Rob Marshall, on Halle Bailey as Ariel in The Little Mermaid

 

Supporter Featuring Film Director, Rob Marshall, on Halle Bailey

The trailer received over 1 million views in just 5 hours on Disney’s YouTube Channel upon release; And received immediate excitement from audiences across the globe.

Disney seemed to be fully prepared for millennials to be front in center to share in this past time after growing up, adulting and experiencing some rough years, from recession to a pandemic.

The craving for fantasy, nostalgia, and simplicity in life is here. And escapism is in full effect.

Moreover, the next generations are appreciating the creativity and casting of this film featuring a talented Generation Z artist whose beautiful voice is destined to be coveted by on-screen villains and real-life Ursalas.

Take a Peek at the Teaser Trailer of Disney’s The Little Mermaid 

 

Disney’s The Little Mermaid Teaser Trailer- Releases on May 25th, 2023

After Bailey viewed the story’s live-action film trailer for the first time, Bailey expresses her excitement and gratitude for being the one chosen to play Ariel.

“The three days filming ‘Part of Your World’ was the most beautiful experience of my life — feeling all the feelings she feels, her passion, discomfort, everything she’s experiencing.”

Halle Bailey

Halle Bailey’s Sister, Chlöe Bailey, Reacts To the Teaser Trailer

Screenshot of Chloe Bailey's Tweet
Chloe Bailey’s Tweet about The Little Mermaid Featuring Her Sister, Halle Bailey

While the tears continue to flow from beautiful trailers featuring Black American talents presented by Disney, from film trailers like Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, more and more supporters rally in to show love despite the previous backlash, ultimately defeating the dissension.

What Supporters Are Saying

Twitter stacks up reactions from the teaser bringing the excitement to new levels.

Referenced Video: ‘Can You Feel the Love Tonight’ – Halle Bailey’s Full Performance

Meanwhile, on YouTube, a funny mix of exciting comments and hilarious creative puns pour in.

Her voice is on point. Reminds me of the original but with her own take.

YouTube User, Alex Lazzerly

The way they created Ariel’s Grotto is so hauntingly similar to the animated one. They made it look so real, it is like my childhood is coming back to life

YouTube User, Marie Ariz

The part where Ariel says, “Life is like a box of Chocolates, you never know what you are gonna get.” Chills.

YouTube User, Mike Schulz

This looks incredible. The visuals are stunning, and Halle is perfect. Her look and voice totally embodies Ariel.

YouTube User, Eric Doolin

That moment when the little mermaid said “THIS IS ATLANTICA!!!” And kicks Ursula down the pit… Straight chills, right down my spine…

YouTube User

If a lavender field were a sound, it’d be Halle’s voice. Her voice feels like tones of lilac, pastel pink and shades of peach blending together to form this magical aura floating graciously on air surrounded by a gold shimmer

YouTube User, Bro
Who's going to be more excited about this movie?
If 'Other' is filled, checked answers are ignored.

TikTok shows how representation in the trailer impacted kids, and even grannies.

@freeda_en Representation matters. This message emerges stronger than ever from the reactions of so many black girls and young women towards the first trailer for the new Disney live action dedicated to The Little Mermaid. The trailer shows the actress who plays Ariel, Halle Bailey, singing the song “Part of Your World”. #Freeda #Diversity #TheLittleMermaid #HalleBailey ♬ Canyons – Official Sound Studio

@korrisworld Mannnn I almost cried😭 #thelittlemermaid #halleberry #thelittlemermaidhallebailey #blackmermaid #blackprincess #fyp ♬ Love You So – The King Khan & BBQ Show

Reddit Users React to Halle Bailey in The Little Mermaid

Following the initial publishing of this article, 360 Baseline Movement shared the link on Reddit in the Subreddit group: r/celebrities.

Article Post Gets Banned from Subreddit after some Reddit users go wild in the comments over the casting and film supporters call the mechanics of the backlash out. Read Article and See Reddit Comments.

Video Reddit Backlash

Tik Tok Users Respond to the Backlash

@king.asante I said what I said #littlemermaid #hallebailey #greenscreen #thelittlemermaid #ariel #asantemadrigal ♬ Violin – Grooving Gecko

@jadenrbricker compiling all we’ve discussed into a one-stop-shop. Halle Bailey slays. #greenscreen #thelittlemermaid #hallebailey #disney #movie #blm #fyp #fypシ゚viral #underthesea ♬ Under the Sea (Instrumental) [From “The Little Mermaid”] – London Music Works

Explore more of Halle in her Essence’s Cover Feature, with her sister, Chloe Bailey.

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