During a recent interview on Triple J Radio, Melissa McCarthy, who plays Ursula in the live-action remake of Disney's The Little Mermaid, shared a heartwarming behind-the-scenes story about Halle Bailey, the film's star. McCarthy revealed that Bailey would often hum to herself on set, and the sound was so enchanting that even the sound crew was captivated by it. This anecdote highlights Bailey's undeniable talent and further cements her as the perfect choice to play Ariel in the beloved classic.
Halle's gentle humming was a constant presence on set. She would sit in the background, often in our line of sight, humming a soft and beautiful melody. We were often mic'd up, as we needed to communicate from a distance, and her humming was always audible in our earpieces. It was a comforting and peaceful sound, and even the sound guy couldn't help but smile when he heard it. When I asked him if he could hear her humming, he replied that it was his favorite thing to listen to.
"Sometimes I don’t even think you knew you were doing it, it just comes from you…it truly was divine.”
Halle Bailey Is The Perfect Ariel
Despite mixed reviews for The Little Mermaid, one thing is certain: Halle Bailey has delivered an outstanding performance as Ariel. Her portrayal of the curious and adventurous mermaid captures the essence of the original character, who yearns for a life beyond the ocean depths. Bailey's natural charm and talent bring depth and relatability to the live-action Disney princess, making her a character to root for.
Bailey's rendition of "Part of Your World" showcases her character's yearning for exploration, love, and adventure, making it one of the standout moments in the remake. Her powerful vocals and emotive delivery infuse the iconic song with a fresh degree of emotion and depth. In fact, Bailey's unique sensibilities as a singer bring a fresh flavor to the remake's other songs, while still staying true to the original versions. Equally important to the film's success is the chemistry between Ariel and Eric, which Bailey and Jonah Hauer-King bring to life with their dynamic on-screen presence and evident off-screen camaraderie. Despite initial skepticism, Bailey's performance in The Little Mermaid proves that she is a bright spot in the film, and a worthy successor to the beloved animated original.
Source: Triple J Radio/ TikTok