Chloe Bailey posted a series of pictures and videos on Instagram from the premiere of Disney’s Disney’s live-action The Little Mermaid, Tuesday. Her sister, Halle, stars as Ariel in the highly-anticipated remake. For the event, organizers swapped out a traditional red carpet for blue to match the setting of the film.
“The flounder to her ariel,” Chloe captioned the post. Fans had many wholesome responses in the comments. “I love y’all’s sister bond. It’s the dopest most beautiful thing,” one wrote. Another commented Y’all’s relationship is priceless.” Many followers also asked Chloe to reveal the name of her hair stylist to no avail. “Y’all not gon give up the name of y’all’s hair lady for nothin,” one joked.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MAY 08: Chloe Bailey attends the world premiere of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” on May 08, 2023 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images)
“I get chills,” Chloe Bailey told ET on the blue carpet of her sister’s performance. “To know that all of those beautiful girls will be able to see proper representation, whether you’re black or white or anything like that, you’ll be able to look at my sister and say ‘I can be anything I want to be no matter what the world tells me is acceptable. There could not be a more perfect Ariel.”
Outside of Chloe, many other stars were in attendance including John Stamos, Melissa McCarthy, Daveed Diggs, Javier Bardem, Awkwafina, Kelly Rowland, and more. Migos rapper Offset also brought his two daughters to the event.
The Little Mermaid is set to release later this month on May 26. The film was directed by Rob Marshall and features a cast composed of Halle Bailey, Jonah Hauer-King, Daveed Diggs, Awkwafina, Jacob Tremblay, Noma Dumezweni, Javier Bardem, and Melissa McCarthy. It will be the latest of several adaptations Disney has done in the live-action style. They also remade Mulan in 2020, The Lion King in 2019, and more.
Cardi B’s daughter Kulture may have famous parents and be a borderline celebrity in her own right, but that didn’t stop her from being a little starstruck by her fellow aquatic actress Halle Bailey at the Los Angeles premiere of The Little Mermaid. Bailey, as you’re probably aware, plays the titular role in the live-action remake of the Disney animated classic, and although she took some flak from internet bigots who couldn’t handle seeing locs on a mermaid, it’s clear from children’s reactions to her that she’s the perfect person to portray the underwater princess in the new remake.
It’s no surprise Kulture had stars in her eyes when she met the young singer; Kulture’s fourth birthday party last year was mermaid-themed, so it seems pretty likely the original gets plenty of burn at the Cephus household.
And Kulture certainly knows a thing or two about portraying a fish-tailed fan-favorite character, thanks to her appearance alongside her mom in Baby Shark’s Big Show. She’s set to reprise her role in Baby Shark’s Big Movie as well, although this time it seems she’ll be a little more aware of what’s going on.
She won’t be the only one singing the new Ariel’s praises; early reactions to The Little Mermaid have been calling it Disney’s best live-action remake yet, even with the terrifying redesigns of Flounder and Sebastian.
Everyone has been waiting for ‘The Little Mermaid’, Disney’s live-action reimagining of the studio’s Oscar®-winning animated musical classic. The premier took place in Hollywood at the Dolby Theater, with cast, filmmakers, and celebrity guests gathering to toast the film’s upcoming launch. After a whirlwind of press and comments surrounding “The Little Mermaid” opens in theaters nationwide May 26, 2023.
Halle Bailey
The film’s stars Halle Bailey, Jonah Hauer-King, Daveed Diggs, Awkwafina, Jacob Tremblay, Javier Bardem, Melissa McCarthy, Noma Dumezweni and Art Malik joined director/producer Rob Marshall, screenwriter David Magee, producers Marc Platt and John DeLuca, composer Alan Menken, executive producer Jeffrey Silver and celebrity guests including Jodi Benson, Heidi Klum, Chloe Bailey, Offset, Yvette Nicole Brown, Anika Noni Rose, John Stamos, Kyla Pratt, Tia Mowry-Hardrict and Tamera Mowery-Housley, among others.
Melissa McCarthy
“The Little Mermaid” is the beloved story of Ariel, a beautiful and spirited young mermaid with a thirst for adventure. The youngest of King Triton’s daughters and the most defiant, Ariel longs to find out more about the world beyond the sea and, while visiting the surface, falls for the dashing Prince Eric. While mermaids are forbidden from interacting with humans, Ariel must follow her heart. She makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, which gives her a chance to experience life on land but ultimately places her life – and her father’s crown – in jeopardy.
Javier Bardem
Don’t miss this timely classic we’ve all grown to love with some illustrious changes courtesy of the film’s visionary director Rob Marshall. The film stars singer and actress Halle Bailey (“grown-ish”) as Ariel; Jonah Hauer-King (“A Dog’s Way Home”) as Eric; Tony Award® winner Daveed Diggs (“Hamilton”) as the voice of Sebastian; Awkwafina (“Raya and the Last Dragon”) as the voice of Scuttle; Jacob Tremblay (“Room”) as the voice of Flounder; Noma Dumezweni (“Mary Poppins Returns”) as The Queen; Art Malik (“Homeland”) as Sir Grimsby; with Oscar® winner Javier Bardem (“No Country for Old Men,” “Being the Ricardos”) as King Triton; and two-time Academy Award® nominee Melissa McCarthy (“Can You Ever Forgive Me?” “Bridesmaids”) as Ursula. “The Little Mermaid” is directed by Oscar® nominee Rob Marshall (“Chicago,” “Mary Poppins Returns”) with a screenplay by two-time Oscar nominee David Magee (“Life of Pi,” “Finding Neverland”). The songs feature music from multiple Academy Award® winner Alan Menken (“Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin”) and lyrics by Howard Ashman, and new lyrics by three-time Tony Award® winner Lin-Manuel Miranda (“Hamilton,’ “In the Heights”). The film is produced by two-time Emmy® winner Marc Platt (“Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert,” “Grease Live!”), Miranda, two-time Emmy winner John DeLuca (“Tony Bennett: An American Classic”), and Rob Marshall, with Jeffrey Silver (“The Lion King”) serving as executive producer.
The premiere of Disney’s live-action The Little Mermaid was a star-studded affair in Los Angeles on Monday night. Offset brought his two daughters to the event, while the star of the film Halle Bailey brought her sister, Chloe, to the showing. Others in attendance included John Stamos, Melissa McCarthy, Daveed Diggs, Javier Bardem, Awkwafina, Kelly Rowland, and more.
For the event, organizers swapped out a traditional red carpet for blue to match the setting of The Little Mermaid. “I get chills,” Chloe Bailey told ET on the blue carpet of her sister’s performance. “To know that all of those beautiful girls will be able to see proper representation, whether you’re black or white or anything like that, you’ll be able to look at my sister and say ‘I can be anything I want to be no matter what the world tells me is acceptable. There could not be a more perfect Ariel.”
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MAY 08: (L-R) Kulture Kiari Cephus, Offset, and Kalea Marie Cephus attend the World Premiere of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” on May 08, 2023 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)
“I think that for me there’s something special about this one. If we haven’t been a parent, we’ve all had parents. We’ve all wrestled with what that is. We’ve all longed to figure out what’s the life I want, which is really the key story that in this, I feel like it’s more modern than it was in the original, just in terms of really carving out the life you choose to have for yourself,” Melissa McCarthy said.
The film is set to release later this month on May 26. It will be the latest of several adaptations Disney has done in the live-action style. They also remade Mulan in 2020, The Lion King in 2019, and more.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MAY 08: Halle Bailey attends the World Premiere of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” on May 08, 2023 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)
Disney’s live-action adaptation of their classic film The Little Mermaid is only a few short weeks ago from its theatrical debut. At the helm of the movie is actress and singer Halle Bailey.
The public has been treated to her rendition of the score’s original song, “Part Of Your World,” and several trailers. However, last night (May 8), the stars of the project and a few other notable figures gathered for the film’s invited-only premiere in Hollywood, California.
One very special person in attendance was Jodi Benson, the original voice of the beloved Disney princess Ariel in 1989. Bailey’s casting has enraged quite a few people, including Fox News and its viewers. But overall, the public has been overwhelmingly supportive. One young fan at Disney World nearly brought Bailey to tears after their tight embrace. Having already seen the singer’s onscreen performance, Benson is another fierce support.
In fact, during an interview with ET, Benson shared that Bailey’s performance was so “brilliant” that she couldn’t contain just how proud she is of Bailey. “She doesn’t need any advice from me; she’s brilliant. I did the chance to meet her a few times and chat with her to tell her how proud I was of her. But I love that she has a purity of heart and a pure spirit. You can see that vulnerability, bravery, and that courage coming through, and it’s beautiful. I’m so thrilled for her, and I’m so proud of her,” said Benson.
Benson wasn’t the only former Disney princess to sing Bailey’s praises. Actress Anika Noni Rose, who played Disney’s first Black princess, Tiana, shared this with the outlet, “[Halle] has a kind spirit, and I don’t think that’s gonna change.”
R&B star sisters Chlöe and Halle Bailey have given up making music together to focus on their solo careers at this time. Still, that doesn’t mean they both can’t shine in the spotlight simultaneously. The elder of the two just wrapped up her In Pieces tour with a final performance in Los Angeles. Meanwhile, the younger is preparing to make her acting debut as Ariel in The Little Mermaid later this month. Bailey’s been viewed as a controversial casting choice due to her Black skin. Nevertheless, music lovers are eager to hear the soul she’ll bring to the beloved character’s voice.
Ahead of the movie’s premiere, the Atlanta native is turning heads with an appearance on the cover of Vogue Arabia. Bailey unveiled the beautiful photos via her Instagram feed on Friday (May 5). One of them sees her hourglass figure draped in a beautiful, bright red fabric designed by Schiaparelli. The words “Mermaid’s Chant: Halle Bailey is ready for her Hollywood splash” are written across the front, marking the young starlet’s introduction to the big screen.
According to a report from Deadline, The Little Mermaid is expected to earn $110M during opening weekend. This would make it one of the most successful Disney live-action remakes to date. During her accompanying interview, the “Do It” songstress spoke candidly about finding out she had earned the role – reportedly being picked over other high-profile candidates like Zendaya. “I was at home with the family celebrating my sister Chlöe’s birthday, so when I got the call, it was even more of a celebration,” Halle recalled.
“‘I remember watching [the movie] for the first time when I was around five years old,” the 23-year-old told the outlet. “My older sisters Chloe and Ski would pretend to be mermaids whenever we were in the swimming pool; it’s cool how it’s all come full circle.” Check out Halle Bailey’s work in The Little Mermaid trailer below, and let us know if you plan to check the film out in theatres later this month in the comments.
Rewatch The Little Mermaid Trailer Ahead of This Month’s Premiere
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.
Users on social media are not happy about the way Flounder looks in Disney’s upcoming live-action remake, The Little Mermaid. Many joked about the fish appearing to look “too realistic” while others compared his looks to Steve Buscemi. The concerns come just weeks ahead of its highly anticipated premiere.
“Maybe I’m being out of line here, but I was expecting The Little Mermaid characters to be idk… CUTE,” one person complained, as noted by The Daily Mail. “Live action animation doesn’t have to be expressionless. At least give our boy Flounder his chubby cheeks back!!!!!” Another asked, “Why does Flounder look like a depressed 40-year-old chain smoker with three kids and a mortgage he can’t pay.” One more user posted, “NOT MY FLOUNDER GETTING THE STEVE BUSCEMI TREATMENT. Y’ALL I’M CRYIN.” Another user also made the same comparison: “Not they put Flounder on Ozempic! Why he so skinny??? This fish look like Steve Buscemi.”
Halle Bailey On Stage At D23 Expo 2022
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 09: (L-R) Rob Marshall and Halle Bailey speak onstage during D23 Expo 2022 at Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California on September 09, 2022. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney)
The character of Flounder, who is played by Jacob Tremblay in the film, was briefly revealed at CinemaCon in Las Vegas on Wednesday. However, the criticism of his looks picked up stream after Disney released the film’s character posters later in the day. The social media account for the Southlake, Texas Department of Public Safety even called the visual “a crime,” and joked, “we’re just trying to find out which one.”
The upcoming live-action take on The Little Mermaid is directed by Rob Marshall. It stars Halle Bailey in the titular role with the supporting cast made up of Jonah Hauer-King, Daveed Diggs, Awkwafina, Jacob Tremblay, Noma Dumezweni, Javier Bardem, and Melissa McCarthy. The Little Mermaid will hit theaters on May 26. It will be the latest of several adaptations Disney has done in the live-action style. They also remade Mulan in 2020, The Lion King in 2019, and more, with additional films scheduled for release in the coming years.
everyone wants a photorealistic live action little mermaid until it comes time to reckon with what a true flounder looks like pic.twitter.com/q4Fd9PRGXH
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.”
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︎ (Moonstone Blue Edition) (@MattsANiceGuy) 
he looks scary