Halle Bailey is Ariel in the upcoming live-action retelling of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, and her uplifting personality and outlook on the journey to becoming the princess is enough to make anyone emotional.
Bailey recently spoke with PEOPLE about the beautiful experience of becoming Ariel and how she’s proud of everyone for the hard work it took to bring this story to life. Becoming Disney royalty is a dream for many — and she credits those who worked alongside her with helping to make the journey so full of joy.
“I genuinely hope that the people who do go see this movie love it and leave the theater feeling happy because we all really collectively worked so hard on it. I know for sure I’m proud of it.”
Being proud of the story we’ll soon swim through with some of the most iconic characters in Disney history is something fans of Bailey are thrilled to hear her say. Many who have spoken about Bailey’s Ariel persona have praised her joy, zest for life, and immeasurable talent, which we’ll soon see on the big screen.
Of course, Bailey had icons of her own growing up, and it meant a lot for her to see people who looked like her family in roles as she grew up. As she grew up, some of Bailey’s inspiration came from actresses like Whitney Houston, Brandy, and Anika Noni Rose.
“It’s exceptional to be able to see a figure that you look up to that also looks like your auntie or your sister. When I was able to see them, I felt like I was worthy. Now that I’m on posters and inspiring these little girls that come up to me, it’s very surreal. I just want to continue making them proud of me.”
As for the naysayers, those who decided to drudge up a negative comments merely because Bailey didn’t look like the Ariel we first knew, she could care less about what they have to say. Instead, she focuses on the good.
“I don’t really think about the naysayers. I just think about the people that are positive and lift me up.”
It’s a testament not just to Bailey as an actress but as a person that she heard rumblings of negativity and decided to focus on the good instead. It’s a choice you must actively make, and it’s something fundamentally important to Bailey. This was the opportunity of a lifetime, a role that she felt blessed to take on, and she deserves every bit of praise heading her way.
You can see Bailey as Princess Ariel in The Little Mermaid when it swims into theaters on May 26.
