Much has been made about the upcoming The Little Mermaid remake (set for May 26) and Halle Bailey’s leading role in it. Not all fans around the world will get to experience her complete performance, though. Disney is, of course, a global brand, so The Little Mermaid will be available on non-English territories. Various dubbed versions of the movie will be presented around the world, and for the South Korean version, it looks like they got Danielle, of K-pop group NewJeans, to voice Bailey’s role.
As Billboard reports, Disney Korea shared a teaser poster on May 1, which teased who would be voicing Ariel with a blank outlined figure. Fans quickly figured out, though, that the figure was indeed Danielle, even finding the exact photo used for the silhouette.
Just a few months ago, it looked as though Halle Bailey and DDG might be calling it quits. Around Valentine’s Day, rumours began brewing about trouble in paradise, which were only made worse by the YouTuber’s ex, Rubi Rose, sharing alleged receipts of their interesting DMs. He went on to write a song about the situation, called “Way Too Petty,” before also addressing all of the gossip in a video on his channel. “Y’all know me deep down, and y’all know I’m a good n*gga. I always been positive, ain’t that right?” DDG reminded his fans.
Regardless of how messily things played out on social media, he and Bailey appear to have worked through their problems. They attended Gucci’s runway presentation during Milan Fashion Week at the end of February, and have since made several appearances on each other’s social media profiles. On Friday (April 28), an image of the young lovers smiling together in a luscious green park began circulating online, proving that they look happier than ever after a few weeks of turmoil.
While DDG kept it casual in a white tee and black pants, The Little Mermaid actress brought in some sunshine with her outfit, donning a bright yellow three-piece set. She looks undeniably adorable, though the angle the snapshot was taken at has some internet sleuths speculating about pregnancy. “I’m not gonna say it or even ask,” one of the most-liked comments on the post reads, proving that many are seeing the same thing. “Everyone saying pregnant lmao. Maybe she bloated, damn ,” someone else wrote.
It seems highly unlikely that the 23-year-old is with child, though we’ll wait for her to confirm or deny the speculation herself. Interestingly, her beau trolled the world on April Fools Day with a pregnancy announcement, initially shocking some into believing that he and the Atlanta native are actually starting a family together. If the rumours are untrue now, perhaps it’s in the cards for them in the future. Do you think DDG and Halle Bailey are endgame? Let us know in the comments, and tap back in later for more pop culture news updates.
Arguable, Black Hollywood is not yet where it is supposed to be in terms of production and revenue. However, the future couldn’t look any brighter. This year’s list of releases has a selection of great movies with Black leads. Additionally, more Black film directors like Ryan Coogler and Jordan Peele are now steering movie franchises with massive commercial success.
We are also seeing new and vibrant Black actors taking center stage in big box office features. The critically acclaimed Creed III, which stars and is also directed by Michael B. Jordan, is a primary example. As anticipation builds, here is a list of movies with Black leads slated for release this year. Halle Bailey as Ariel in The Little Mermaid has Disney fans on edge. Of course, the Spiderverse continues to expand with another monumental film. A biopic about George Foreman is also on the horizon. Take a look at our list of movies with Black leads and let us know which one you’re looking forward to.
Big George Foreman (April 28, 2023)
George Tillman Jr. directed this biographicalfilm. Big George Foreman focuses on the life of world heavyweight boxing champion George Foreman. Actor Khris Davis from Judas and the Black Messiah movie will also portray the legendary boxer. Further, Davis will be joined in-cast by Jasmine Mathews, John Magaro, Sullivan Jones, Lawrence Gilliard Jr., Sonja Sohn, and one of the few black Oscar winners, Forest Whitaker. The plot will focus on George Foreman’s journey of overcoming poverty to become one of the most renowned young boxers in the world.
The film is also set to portray Foreman’s near-death experience that led him to quit boxing. Foreman is then forced to reunite with his former trainer due to financial constraints. He eventually trains to become the oldest boxer in history to win the heavyweight championship.
The Little Mermaid (May 26, 2023)
The Little Mermaid is a live-animated fairytale film by Disney. Disney’s movies with Black leads haven’t, in recent years, faced criticism like The Little Mermaid. The controversy surrounded casting Halle, a Black actress, to play a traditionally white character. Bailey is also one half of the girl group Chloe X Halle. The Little Mermaid is directed by Rob Marshall and the screenplay is written by David Magee. It is also an adaptation of the 1989 animated film of the same name.
Halle will play Ariel, the youngest daughter of the kingdom Atlantica’s ruler King Triton. Ariel falls in love with a human but is forbidden to explore the land above water. Her curiosity for the surface world and her newfound love puts her in danger when she makes a deal with her to trade her beautiful voice for human legs so she can discover the world above water. Awkwafina and Daveed Diggs are also set to star in the film.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (June 2, 2023)
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is an upcoming computer-animated superhero film from Sony Studios in association with Marvel Entertainment. The film is the sequel to 2018’s Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, and Justin K team up to direct the animation. Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, and David Callaham co-wrote the screenplay.
Shameik Moore voices the lead character, Miles Morales. Hailee Steinfeld, Jake Johnson, Issa Rae, Daniel Kaluuya, and Karan Soni also lend their voices to the film. The movie centers on the adventures of Miles and his love interest Gwen Stacy. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is scheduled for release in the United States on June 2, 2023. Sony delayed the film from an initial April 2022 date due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse, the franchise’s third sequel is already scheduled for release on March 29, 2024.
Biosphere (July 7, 2023)
Biosphere is an upcoming buddy comedy film directed by Mel Eslyn. The film had its world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival on September 10, 2022, but is scheduled to be in theaters and on demand from July 7, 2023. Sterling K. Brown and Mark Duplass play two best friends who find themselves as the last men on earth. Biosphere also holds a 90 percent approval rating based on review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes.
They Cloned Tyrone (July 23, 2023)
They Cloned Tyrone is a science fiction comedy mystery film directed by Juel Taylor. The film is set to premiere in July 2023, on the streaming giant, Netflix. This film will be Juel Taylor’s directorial debut in a full-length feature film. Taylor also co-wrote the screenplay with Tony Rettenmaier. John Boyega also leads alongside Teyonah Parris, Kiefer Sutherland, and Jamie Foxx. Foxx, the film’s producer, has been in the headlines lately because he reportedly suffered a stroke.
Haunted Mansion (July 28 2023)
Haunted Mansion is an upcoming supernatural horror comedy film directed by Justin Simien. Writer Katie Dippold crafted the screenplay for the film. LaKeith Stanfield plays the lead alongside Tiffany Haddish, Owen Wilson, Danny DeVito, and Jared Leto among others. Haunted Mansion is also scheduled to be released in the United States on July 28, 2023, by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. The film follows the ghostly adventures of Gabbie and her nine-year-old son Travis after the two move into a haunted mansion.
The Equalizer 3 (September 1, 2023)
The Equalizer film series is one of the few big-budget Hollywood action movies with Black leads. Denzel Washington is the main man in The Equalizer film series. The first Equalizer movie was released in 2014. The sequel, The Equalizer 2, premiered in 2018. Further, Sony Pictures intends to release the third installment, The Equalizer 3, in September 2023.
Generally, the films are loosely based on a classic TV series of the same name. The TV show aired between 1985 and 1989. The basic plot of The Equalizer action films center around vigilante Robert McCall played by Denzel Washington. Robert primarily saves those close to him with his tactical combat and weapons training. The Equalizer 3 is also set to star Dakota Fanning, Sonia Ben Ammar, and Remo Girone.
The upcoming movie The Color Purple promises to reinvigorate the stage musical version of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name. Director Blitz Bazawule is at the helm of the adaptation project. The film aims to capture the timeless story’s essence while providing fresh insights. The Color Purple is also set against the backdrop of the early 20th century. It follows the journey of Celie, a strong and resilient Black woman who overcomes numerous obstacles to find her own voice and inner strength. Additionally, R&B crooner, Fantasia Barrino, will play the lead role. H.E.R., Ciara, Danielle Brooks, Taraji P. Henson, and Halle Bailey also make part of the star-studded cast.
The public has expressed overwhelming support for her in the face of racist attacks she’s been dealing with for playing the role. Along with fans praising her, she was lauded at her audition, which she just revealed in a new interview with V Magazine made everyone in the room cry. She said:
“I went to the first audition in New York, and they were very warm and very kind to me. They asked me if I wanted to sing or act first, and I was like, ‘I’ll just sing first because I feel I can get all the nerves out.’ So I just remember singing and closing my eyes, and then when I opened my eyes, everyone was crying. And at first, I was like, ‘Oh, no! Did I do something bad?’ And then I quickly realized that it was good. So from there, I had two more auditions and then a screen test, and then months passed and I completely forgot about it. I thought, ‘Well that ship sailed.’ And then I got a call saying that I got the role a few months later.”
It’s already major day for The Little Mermaid fans, as Disney dropped a new trailer and a ton of new posters for the upcoming live-action film. Halle Bailey, who plays the lead character Ariel, helps save Flounder from danger, pines to be a human, and swims with the jellyfish — making it seem like a fun, colorful adaptation of the cartoon.
Ariel Ursula King Triton Prince Eric Sebastian Flounder Scuttle
Get tickets now for Disney’s #TheLittleMermaid and see it in theaters May 26!
Now, fans are also getting to hear what Bailey as Ariel sounds like. Her new spin on “Part Of Your World” is out today, blending her powerful and controlled vocals with the classic lyrics that even the most casual fan can tackle at karaoke.
“I wanna be where the people are,” she sings, the part that also appears in the trailer. “I wanna see / Wanna see them dancing.”
Listeners are already loving the song, with people writing “Halle Bailey, the VOCALIST THAT YOU AREEE” and “5 seconds in and I’m already in tears!” It’s very clear that crowds are going to turn out in full force for this one.
The movie’s complete soundtrack drops on May 19, just a few days before it hits theaters on May 26.
Check out Halle Bailey’s “Part Of Your World” from The Little Mermaid soundtrack above as well as the trailer and posters of the other characters. Below, find some additional fan reactions.
Chlöe is celebrating the recent release of her debut solo album In Pieces with an exciting tour. It kicked off earlier this month in Chicago, where she didn’t hesitate to confront critics: “F*ck what the f*ck anybody wanna f*ckin’ say,” she said onstage.
In Atlanta on Sunday night (April 23), the audience was in for a special treat. To spice up her performance, the “How Does It Feel” singer brought out her sister and fellow Chloe X Halle member Halle Bailey, who’s been in the spotlight as well for her role in The Little Mermaid. The Bailey siblings performed their 2020 songs “Ungodly Hour” and “Do It” together, looking happier than ever.
Chlöe shared a grateful post to social media about the “magical” night.
“ATL love yall so much,” she wrote on Instagram. “I got to reunite with my best friend on stage and even have my own national day now (Chloe Day April 22nd) each night on tour has been so magical.”
Chlöe and Halle, the Bailey sisters, reunited onstage during the former’s In Pieces tour stop in Atlanta on Sunday night (April 23). Moreover, the “Pray It Away” singer shared some thankful words and a few pictures on Instagram. Not only did she shout out her Little Mermaid star sister, but she posted a picture with Missy Elliott backstage. Also, she expressed gratitude for now having her now day in the city of Atlanta (for the record, April 22 is now Chlöe Day). In her caption, she briefly but humbly reflected on the great time she’s having on the road.
“ATL love yall so much,” she captioned her post with a heart emoji. “I got to reunite with my best friend on stage and even have my own national day now (Chloe Day April 22nd). Each night on tour has been so magical.” In addition to those social media celebrations, Chlöe took some time to celebrate in-person, as well. After the Atlanta show, she went to a club in the area with Quavo, who are rumored to be an item. Despite fans’ excitement, the 24-year-old hasn’t said much on the subject beyond just calling him a “really nice guy” with great locs.
Chlöe & Halle Reunite During The In Pieces Tour Stop In Atlanta
Unfortunately for the Atlanta native, reception to her album found itself buried under gossip, social media controversy, and low album sales. In fact, people in the media and fans online claimed that Beyoncé did Chlöe wrong by failing to promote her protégé’s album more. However, on The Breakfast Club, she stated that she isn’t to blame at all and brushed off people trying to spark beef with a lot of professionalism. ‘I love B,” Chlöe told the radio hosts. “She supported my sis and I since we had our little locs on YouTube so it’s all love over here, I love her.
“I was like, ‘At least they’re talking,’” she continued. “And at least people will go and listen to the project. And as much as people try to bring up numbers and things like that, I’m trending every other day. Marketing can’t buy that. A label can’t buy that. So people care enough to constantly have my name in their mouth. So, I’m doing something right. If it was real what people were saying, my tours wouldn’t be sold out. People wouldn’t be singing word-for-word on an album I just dropped a week and a half ago. That’s what I have to switch my perspective to, instead of allowing others and people who aren’t doing anything with themselves or their lives dim my light.” Regardless of that, stay up to date on HNHH for the latest news on Chlöe.
Social media is abuzz with photos of everyday people who bear an uncanny resemblance to some of the hottest female celebrities in the game. From R&B singer Kehlani to rapper Flau’jae, music duo Taylor Girlz to Nigerian singer-songwriter Tems, these ladies have captured the attention of Twitter users everywhere with their striking similarities to some […]
Chloe and Halle Bailey are both proving that they are just as potent as solo artists as they are as a duo. Chlöe has battled haters and poor record sales to make waves on her debut tour. Meanwhile, Halle is preparing for her breakout film role, as the May 26 release of The Little Mermaid grows closer.
However, the two sisters took time out of their schedules to appear on That’s My Jam, the musical game show spin-off of The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon. The show’s concept is very simple – celebrity teams face off in a variety of musical challenges with Jimmy Fallon hosting the proceedings. In its second season, the show’s most recent episode pitted the sisters against one another. Chlöe was paired up with Adam Lambert, while Halle joined forces with actor Simu Liu.
Chloe And Halle Take On Breakup Song Medley
The highlight of the episode for many fans was the “Mixtape Medley Showdown”, contested by the two sisters. In the segment, contestants must compete in a jukebox-esque sing-off within a certain genre or musical theme. The chosen “mixtape” was breakup songs and things were off to the races. Chloe opened proceedings with the Destiny Child’s classic Survivor, which Halle countered with Avril Lavigne’s Complicated. The sisters were clearly in high spirits, but it was evident both wanted to win. Chloe’s second song was Dilemma by Nelly ft. Kelly Rowland, which was followed by Halle taking on Carrie Underwood’s Before He Cheats.
With neither sister giving an inch, Chloe gave a fantastic rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s Go Your Own Way before Halle paid homage to the honorary mayor of Tampa with Taylor Swift’s We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together. As things ramped up, Chloe belted out Olivia Rodrigo’s Good 4 You, and Halle closed things out with Since You’ve Been Gone by Kelly Clarkson. In a sweet moment, Chloe joined in to harmonize on the Clarkson banger. Halle and Simu would eventually go on to be named the winners of the episode. However, who do you think won the Mixtape Medley Showdown? Let us know in the comments below.
Chlöe is keeping busy, as she’s still hot off the release of her solo debut album, In Pieces, and touring North America in support of the album. Equally busy is her sister, Halle Bailey, who is gearing up for the premiere of The Little Mermaid, in which she plays Ariel. But their tight schedules couldn’t stop them from reuniting last night (April 17) on Jimmy Fallon’s That’s My Jam.
During the episode’s “Mixtape Medley Showdown,” the two sang a musical montage of iconic break-up anthems. Chlöe kicked off the challenge with a smooth cover of Destiny’s Child’s “Survivor,” then, on Halle’s turn, she sang Avril Lavigne’s “Complicated.” The two went back and forth singing covers of songs by Kelly Rowland, Carrie Underwood, Fleetwood Mac, Olivia Rodrigo, and more.
Though the two are proving fruitful in their solo endeavors, nothing can break the bonds of sisterhood. Last month, in a campaign for ZyrTec, Halle said that the two are not finished making music together as Chloe X Halle.
“She’s my biggest supporter. I’m her biggest supporter. We’re just really excited to be able to be doing all of this together and for this all to be happening. I’m so proud of her,” said Halle.
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#DANIELLE #NewJeans @NewJeans_ADOR pic.twitter.com/KmaUJrYmR5
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