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Halle Bailey Reveals Why She Was ‘So Nervous’ to Take on ‘The Little Mermaid’

When it was announced that Halle Bailey will be portraying Ariel in the upcoming live-action remake of the Disney classic, The Little Mermaid, the news practically shook the internet. And though the role has proven to be a life-changing moment for the singer, it has been a nerve-wracking one as well.

In an exclusive interview with Essence magazine, the 22-year-old singer (who is the other half of the R&B sister duo Chloe x Halle) opened up about starring in the new live-action film and playing the Disney princess.

“I was so nervous to do something on my own,” Halle told the publication. “I was like, I don’t know if I can do it without [sister Chloe Bailey] I’m so used to her being there and giving me that final push.”

Halle Bailey attends Variety's 2022 Power Of Young Hollywood Celebration.
Jon Kopaloff/WireImage

Though the Grown-ish star hasn’t teased much of the film—like sharing BTS videos and photos—she did celebrate the end of production with a stunning photo. Back in July 2021, Bailey posted a snapshot of herself as the titular character, Ariel, on Instagram. In the photo, she is relaxing in the ocean with a beautiful sunset in the background. 

“And just like that..that’s a wrap. After auditioning for this film when I was 18 just about to turn 19, to now finishing filming through a pandemic when I turned 21. We have finally made it…” she wrote in the caption. 

Bailey continued, “I feel so grateful to have experienced this film in all of its glory..it has been the toughest experience being away from everything and everyone I’ve ever known, to feeling self-doubt [and] loneliness, but also feeling such freedom and perseverance as I’ve reached the end. This experience has made me so much stronger than I ever thought I could be.”

Set your reminders: The Little Mermaid premieres in theaters on May 26, 2023.

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karelle mckay headshot e1678464959710

Assistant Editor, News And Entertainment

Karelle McKay is the Assistant Editor of News and Entertainment at PureWow. Before she started writing about all things pop culture, she was a literal couch potato who loved...