As Disney fans continue to gear up for the live-action remake of The Little Mermaid, Halle Bailey is dishing on some of the ways that the film was “updated.”
Specifically, Halle acknowledged that—in spite of how the original movie played out—Ariel no longer leaves the ocean to just secure her future with a man!
Creators Modernized Ariel’s Motives In The Little Mermaid Remake
During an interview with Edition, Halle addressed that creators “definitely changed that perspective of her just wanting to leave the ocean for a boy.”
“I’m really excited for my version of the film because we’ve definitely changed that perspective of her just wanting to leave the ocean for a boy.”
For context, internet users have constantly slammed Ariel throughout the years for her decision to give up her oceanic life to live happily ever after with “a local” named Prince Eric.
Can’t believe ariel left the ocean so she could get some dick from a local
— auntie majic (@1800buddha) January 19, 2019
Ariel left her kingdom for dick. https://t.co/XYUHBlkegk
— kenny 🍜 comms open (@noodleshopkenz) May 30, 2022
moana left her family to save the world,
ariel left her family and the ocean for dick.
put some respect on moana’s name. https://t.co/E82vWoACYe— kevin ᱬ (@pvpikev) January 3, 2022
Rather than reinforcing this view by going down the same route, though, Halle says that Ariel’s decision is “way bigger than that.” In fact, rather than it being about “a boy,” the matter is “about herself, her purpose, her freedom, her life and what she wants.” Period!
Ultimately, the R&B singer notes that—as women are “amazing,” “independent,” and “modern”—she’s happy to help usher in change through her role in the remake of the beloved Disney classic.
“As women, we are amazing, we are independent, we are modern, we are everything and above. And I’m glad that Disney is updating some of those themes.”
Halle Bailey Says She ‘Learned So Much’ Through Ariel
In addition to speaking on how Ariel’s character was updated for the remake, Halle Bailey also acknowledged the entire journey of shooting the film.
After calling the experience “a crazy ride,” Halle shared that she’s “shocked and honored and grateful to be in this position.”
“It’s honestly been such a crazy ride, and I genuinely feel shocked and honored and grateful to be in this position. A lot of times, I have to pinch myself and be like, is this real life?”
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She went on to say that she “genuinely feel[s] like” the experience had a major presence in her journey through young adulthood.
“I feel like I learned so much through her. I auditioned when I was 18, got the role when I was 19, and I turn 23 this year. So I genuinely feel like [the Ariel role] helped me grow up.”
Bailey wrapped by acknowledging, “I pushed myself as far as I’ve ever pushed myself in life, and I feel like the message from her was to know that you’ve always had it in you.”
What do you think about Halle Bailey’s commentary, and are you planning on watching the remake of The Little Mermaid once it premiers?
