The live-action version of Disney’s popular animated film The Little Mermaid is set to hit the theatres worldwide on May 26. Halle Bailey will be playing Ariel in the upcoming film, becoming the first-ever woman of colour to portray the lead role in a Disney live-action fairy tale. Melissa McCarthy, Jonah Hauer-King and Daveed Diggs star alongside Bailey in this tale of mythical underwater life meeting the surface world. Here’s a look.
Halle Bailey plays the 16-year old mermaid Ariel. The film follows her journey to find true love and freedom from her underwater life.
DisneyJonah Hauer-King plays Prince Eric, the love interest and prince charming of the tale. Ariel spots him on his ship on one of her detours to the surface of the water and a love story begins.
DisneyMelissa McCarthy plays Ursula, the sea-witch behind Ariel’s troubles. She steals her voice in exchange for turning her into a human in the original story.
DisneyTriton, the king of Atlantica and Ariel’s father, is played by Javier Bardem. He prohibits Ariel’s contact with the surface world. It is Ariel’s fear of his disapproval that drives her to Ursula.
DisneyThe fan-favourite Sebastian is voiced by Daveed Diggs. He is Ariel’s best friend and stays with her through thick and thin.
DisneyAriel’s friend Flouder is voiced by Jacob Tremblay. Sebastian, Flounder and Ariel make a group of three inseparable friends.
DisneyThe comedy queen Awkwafina voices the seagull Scuttle, Ariel’s source of news from the surface.
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