'The Essence of Me': When Halley Bailey opened up about becoming Ariel

"Hollywood has always been about breaking the mold, hasn't it?" quips Halle Bailey. Indeed, that's precisely what the acclaimed singer and actress did when she fearlessly embraced her role as Ariel in Disney’s live-action reboot of 'The Little Mermaid', which hit theaters on May 26, 2023, as reported by Rolling Stone back in September 2022.

"Breaking Waves and Stereos"

Halle Bailey, the radiant star of the Chloe x Halle duo, brought a refreshing, realistic dimension to the traditionally red-haired mermaid, Ariel. With her natural locs incorporated into Ariel's iconic red hair, she sparked a dialogue about representation onscreen and the need to break away from traditional, typecast roles.

"My hair, for example — incorporating my locs into the red hair was something that was really special to me," Bailey shared, highlighting the importance of infusing her unique identity into her character.

"Riding the Tide of Controversy"

Despite initial backlash and controversy surrounding her casting, Bailey remained undeterred, demonstrating a mental fortitude parallel to Ariel's resilience. Speaking of the character, she said, "She goes after what she wants and what she sees for herself, and she knows she should be somewhere else."

Her impactful portrayal of Ariel not only championed diversity but also unveiled a reimagined story arc. This rendition, unlike the 1989 animated version, was not just about a mermaid falling in love, aspiring for a different world, but rather a journey of self-discovery and passion.

"Be a Princess in Every Single Way"

"I want the little girl in me and the little girls just like me who are watching to know that they’re special, and that they should be a princess in every single way," Bailey affirmed in an interview, addressing the controversy surrounding her casting. She wanted young girls, especially those of color, to see themselves reflected in the iconic princess.

Looking back now from our 2023 vantage point, Halle Bailey's Ariel certainly swam against the tide and broke new ground in Hollywood's portrayal of cherished characters, reaffirming the importance of representation and diversity in modern cinema.

(Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.)