The Little Mermaid – Casting Arms Director. He explains that they did not pay attention to skin color

Casting Halle Bailey to the role Little Mermaid caused quite a controversy due to the color of the actress’s skin. Jodi Benson, who voiced the original Ariel, was one of those people who defended Disney’s decision. In her opinion, what really matters is the character’s heart and spirit. Acting director Little Mermaid however, he saw it a little differently.

Rob Marshall he says it was the most important thing for him Ariel’s voice. In response to negative comments from Internet users, he explained how the choice fell on Halle Bailey.

The Little Mermaid – Casting Arms Director

Rob Marshall told Deadline:

I saw Halle for the first time at the Grammys when castings had just started. We searched everywhere and didn’t care to cast someone of color other than white. We just wanted to find the best Ariel. Then I saw this beautiful creature singing like an angel at the Grammys. I was wondering who he is. So we brought her. I had no idea if she could act, but I thought there was something ethereal and otherworldly about her.

The Little Mermaid – many people auditioned for the role of Ariel

Acting director Little Mermaid he added that when Bailey first sang Part of Your Worldhe burst into tears because there was so much emotion in this performance.

Rob Marshall also explained that Ariel is a demanding role because the character is innocent and vulnerable, stubborn and strong, determined and joyful at the same time. Bailey was their first choice, but after her casting, they auditioned a lot more people and no one was as good as her. So in the end, they did a screen test with her, which was great, and reassured them that they would find a better Little Mermaid.

Source:
https://comicbook.com