Magical Mashup: Little Mermaid TikTok Video Unites Two Ariel Stars

A TikTok video featuring both the live-action and animated versions of Ariel has been making waves online. The video showcases pop singer Halle Bailey as the lead role in Disney's latest live-action remake of The Little Mermaid, which is based on the beloved 1989 animated classic. Notably, the video also features cosplayer Kaz Tarshis (@thequeenofglitter) portraying the original animated version of Ariel, resulting in a stunning collaboration between the two versions. The movie also stars Melissa McCarthy as the villainous sea witch Ursula, Javier Bardem as King Triton, Daveed Diggs as Sebastian, Jacob Tremblay as Flounder, and Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric.

Tarshis and @jessiladay team up to perform the duet "I Am A Girl Like You" from Barbie as the Princess and the Pauper, showcasing the equal talent and worth of both the original Ariel and Halle Bailey's live-action portrayal.

Bailey's casting as Ariel was met with backlash from some who opposed any change to the earlier depiction of the character as white. The criticism, rooted in racism, targeted both Bailey and the animation studio. Despite this, Bailey has proven herself to be a fantastic choice to play such an iconic role and has silenced her critics with her talent and dedication.

Bailey's early start in the entertainment industry alongside her sister Chloe Bailey included roles in films as young as three years old. Their success on YouTube led to the formation of Chloe X Halle, an R&B duo that gained worldwide recognition. Bailey's talent also landed her bigger roles on television, such as a main role on ABC's Black-ish spinoff Grown-ish, where she showcased her acting skills. Her captivating performance at the 2019 Grammy's caught the attention of The Little Mermaid director Rob Marshall, who called her an "angel." As a result, Bailey became the first to audition for the role of Ariel, which ultimately led to her casting.

Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, Bailey's portrayal of Ariel in The Little Mermaid remake was widely praised for her ability to embody the innocent and curious nature of the beloved princess while delivering impressive vocal performances. The film's success at the box office during its opening weekend, earning $186 million, and receiving a high audience rating of 95 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, suggests that Disney may have another hit on their hands with their live-action adaptations.

Source: Kaz Tarshis (@thequeenofglitter)