Halle Bailey talks barrier-breaking role in 'The Little Mermaid': “That reassurance was something that I needed”

Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images for BET

Halle Bailey has put in work behind the scenes and she’s ready for the world to see it all. In an interview with Variety, she opened up about her barrier-breaking role as Ariel in the forthcoming film version of the Broadway musical The Little Mermaid. 

News of a Black Ariel was initially met with backlash, but Halle pushed through, as she understands the importance of representation.

“I want the little girl in me and the little girls just like me who are watching to know that they’re special and that they should be a princess in every single way,”