Disney has cast singer Halle Bailey in the starring role of Ariel in a live action remake of The Little Mermaid.
“Halle possesses a rare combination of spirit, heart, youth, innocence and substance, plus a glorious singing voice,” director Rob Marshall said.
Halle, 19, half of R&B sister duo Chloe x Halle, “said it was a “dream come true”.
The film, which will start shooting in 2020, will feature new songs written by Hamilton creator Lin Manuel Miranda.
Oscar-winning actress Halle Berry was one of the first to tweet her support for the young star, saying “we can’t wait to see what you do!”
While the majority of tweets were positive, Halle’s casting proved controversial for some social media users, with one saying he “ain’t racist for not wanting a black actress playing Ariel… Ariel is a redhead as was played in our childhood movie.”
His and other comments have sparked a debate online about diversity in casting.
