Disney's Live-Action 'Little Mermaid' Will Star Halle Bailey As Ariel

The live-action reboot of Disneys Little Mermaid has found its princess of the sea.

Singer Halle Bailey , who is one-half of the R&B duo Chloe x Halle , is set to star as Ariel in the new film, Variety reports . The 19-year-old songstress had been a top choice for director Rob Marshall from the get-go, according to the publication.

Just Announced: Halle Bailey has been cast in the upcoming live-action reimagining of The Little Mermaid. pic.twitter.com/GAUydbkfMV

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Just Announced: Halle Bailey has been cast in the upcoming live-action reimagining of The Little Mermaid. pic.twitter.com/GAUydbkfMV
Walt Disney Studios (@DisneyStudios) July 3, 2019

After an extensive search, it was abundantly clear that Halle possesses that rare combination of spirit, heart, youth, innocence, and substance plus a glorious singing voice all intrinsic qualities necessary to play this iconic role, Marshall, whose credits include 2002s Chicago and last years Mary Poppins Returns , said in a statement .

Bailey called the news a dream come true on Twitter.

dream come true... pic.twitter.com/sndjYUS6wO

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dream come true... pic.twitter.com/sndjYUS6wO
chloe x halle (@chloexhalle) July 3, 2019

Earlier this week, it was announced that Melissa McCarthy was being considered to star as sea witch Ursula in the film, currently slated to begin production in 2020.

Actors Jacob Tremblay and Awkwafina are also said to be in talks to play Ariels friends Flounder and Scuttle, respectively.

The Little Mermaid will be the latest in a series of Disney animated classics to get the live-action treatment. The studio previously scored hits with Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin , while this summers The Lion King , featuring Donald Glover and Beyonc, also looks poised to be a smash.

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The new Mermaid will feature the classic songs from the 1989 original, including Part of Your World and Under the Sea, as well as new tunes written by Alan Menken and Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda.