I Saw Exclusive Footage Of Halle Bailey As Ariel For Disney's 'The Little Mermaid', And Trust Me, She's Perfect

Alicia D'Aversa
Ariel, Sebastian and Flounder
Walt Disney | Disney

Disney knows how to make a good animated musical. That's just the truth. Whether your favorite is The Lion King, or Beauty and the Beast, or Snow White, one thing is certain: they're all iconic.

The Little Mermaid definitely falls under that category. Between the astonishing soundtrack, sweet love story, and villain that you love to hate (or hate that you love), it has become a timeless classic for Disney fans.

Now, it's being turned into a live-action film and is expected to release on May 26, 2023. I had the pleasure of seeing some new exclusive footage of the film at D23, and let me tell you something... they chose the perfect person to play Princess Ariel.

This year, I attended D23.

The LIttle Mermaid silhouette
Giphy

ICYDK: D23 is the official Disney fan club, and at this major convention, Disney announces all their major park changes, TV shows, movies, and so much more!

Day 1 of the D23 con had one of the major panels that everyone looks forward to: Celebrate the Magic of Disney and Pixar. It's where you learn all about the live-action and animated films and TV shows that Disney and Pixar animation have in store.

Now, a LOT happened at that panel.

You can play catch up on our Diply Twitter account to learn more. We got tons of exclusive footage, including a first look at Peter Pan & Wendy, Mufasa, and Disenchanted.

But I think the thing we need to talk most about is The Little Mermaid.

I'm sure you're well aware that when this casting was first announced, some people online were not happy since Halle Bailey doesn't look exactly like the FICTIONAL mermaid.

Despite that, others, including myself, hyped her up. After all, she has a beautiful singing voice, and if the casting directors think that she is a perfect choice, who I am to judge? The movie isn't even out!

But now, I am here to tell you: if you had doubts, throw them away. Seriously. During the presentation, we got to look at exclusive footage from the film that everyone else will have to wait to see in theaters. The scene was the entire musical number of "Part of Your World".

At the end of it, the entire theater erupted in cheers.

Between my body being covered in goosebumps, and actually gasping at some of the notes she hit, I can say with full confidence that she is the PERFECT choice for Ariel.

If you haven't seen the teaser trailer yet, make sure you watch it now!