Halle Bailey has been cast in the Universal musical inspired by Pharrell Williams.
The star joins Da’Vine Joy Randolph and Kelvin Harrison Jr. in the untitled coming-of-age movie being directed by Michel Gondry.
The film is set in the summer of 1977 at Virginia Beach and takes inspiration from Williams’ childhood neighborhood of Atlantis Apartments.
Gondry is directing from a script by Martin Hynes and Steven Levenson with Williams, Mimi Valdes and Gil Netter serving as producers.
Bailey played the lead role in the live-action remake of The Little Mermaid last year and valued the cultural impact of being the first Black actress to star as Ariel.
“This moment means everything to me; I’m so grateful to be here. I just feel really honored, and I’m happy the day has finally come where we can all watch it,” she told Deadline at the film’s premiere.
Bailey’s casting in the picture trended on social media when the trailer for the remake was released. She hoped that young people of color would “see a reflection of themselves” on the big screen.
“It means the world to me — especially for the beautiful babies — to be able to see a reflection of themselves. I am just honored to be a part of this and be one of the princesses now because, for me, it was Brandy as Cinderella and then Anika Rose as Princess Tiana,” she said.
“So the fact that I am getting to continue this and live on this legacy is really exciting, and I’m just grateful,” Bailey stated.
