The Live-Action LITTLE MERMAID Just Found Its Ariel

Here's an exciting bit of news on an otherwise extremely un-exciting day: according to Variety, Disney has signed Grown-ish's Halle Bailey to play Ariel in the studio's long-gestating live-action remake of The Little Mermaid. That's right - the new Little Mermaid is a woman of color. Respect.

Casting for The Little Mermaid has been heating up lately, with Jacob Tremblay and Awkwafina recently joining the cast (Melissa McCarthy is still locking in her deal to play Ursula, the diabolical sea witch who takes away Ariel's voice in exchange for a pair of legs), but Variety says director Rob Marshall has known he wanted Bailey for quite some time now. It's an unexpected choice for the role, and an intriguing one.

Nothing further to report at this time, but we're very intrigued by this development, and look forward to hearing more. Stay tuned for further updates on The Little Mermaid as they roll in.