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How Halle Bailey Deals With ‘The Little Mermaid’ Backlash

Halle Bailey is no stranger to backlash. The internet exploded with opinions when Disney and director Rob Marshall announced that the actress and recording artist would play Princess Ariel in the upcoming live-action version of  The Little Mermaid.

While audiences were quick to praise or condemn Bailey’s casting, Queen Bey herself mentored Halle when she needed it the most. Bailey told Entertainment Weekly that Beyonce was one of her “biggest inspirations since [she] was three.”

Beyonce, Chloe, Halle

Chloe x Halle / Twitter

Halle is used to being a part of the music duo, Chloe x Halle, with her sister Chloe Bailey, and was scared to take on such a bring project on her own. According to Halle, Beyonce advised her to  “stand in [her] power and to not give up.” Bailey continued, “That I can do this and believe in myself.”

Coming from one of those most powerful ladies in entertainment, these powerful words have even more of an impact. Not only does Halle Bailey have Beyonce’s legendary support, but the full weight of the Beyhive behind her. Beyonce is a pro at curbing hate and has acted in the Disney world as well. The singer provided the voice of Nala in the live-action remake of The Lion King in 2019, alongside Donald Glover’s Simba.

Halle Bailey Ariel

Disney

Halle Bailey‘s much-anticipated performance in The Little Mermaid will release theatrically at the end of May. Less than two months away! Fans are also looking forward to Melissa McCarthy’s interpretation of Ursula the sea witch. The classic score will have some new songs from a powerhouse musical team! The illustrious Alan Menken is back to add some more magic under the sea, along with the celebrated Lin Manuel-Miranda. Javier Bardem will also star as Ariel’s strict father and leader of the sea, King Triton.

The Little Mermaid Poster

Disney

READ MORE: Halle Bailey Describes Brutal “13 Hour” Water Shoots for “The Little Mermaid”

Bailey was cast in the role in 2018, and suddenly thrust into stardom when she was 18 years old. Five years later, Bailey now age 23, The Little Mermaid movie is set to premiere on May 26. Luckily Halle Bailey’s close relationship with Beyonce will be a source of strength once audiences finally see her work in a few weeks.

About Lana Porter

Lana has never lost a Disney Trivia night. Maybe it’s the hundreds of times she’s been to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, her love for Disney’s ’90’s era hand-animated musicals, or the fact that she’s often likened to cartoon characters, but Disney and its magic have a special place in her heart. Her favorite Disney experiences include the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival, eating Mickey Bars on the PeopleMover, and crying during the Magic Kingdom fireworks show. One day she hopes to be chosen as the rebel spy on Star Tours. When Lana isn’t Park Hopping, she’s at home reading books of all topics, watching her favs on Disney+, or snuggling her two cats, which she swears are not named after Disney characters. She loves surprising people with her knowledge of the Marvel Cinematic Universe but admits she is still catching up with Star Wars. She is happy to combine her excitement for writing with her love for Disney-style storytelling and share what she can with the world!