Pictures of the actors at the Los Angeles screening of Disney’s eagerly awaited live-action adaptation of the 1989 cartoon classic went viral for more than just the glitzy ensembles because Bailey, 23, hugged and photographed with Benson, 61.
In a TikTok video that Disney published, Bailey, whose performance has been praised for being amazing, is shown at the premiere cuddling up to Benson. The caption from Disney reads, “We’re all crying here.”
One fan responded with: “Love this so much. Truly a magical moment.”
Another commented: “The Little Mermaid was my first movie in 1989, it will be my daughter’s first movie in 2023.”
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly at the premiere on Tuesday (9 May), Benson described Bailey as brilliant.
“I did get to meet her a few times and chat with her and just tell her how proud I was of her, and I love that she has a purity of heart and a pure spirit. I’m so thrilled for her,” said Benson, who was also the voice of Barbie in Toy Story 3.
Even though Halle Bailey has endured racist taunts ever since it was revealed she would be playing Ariel in 2019, she expressed gratitude for being able to represent young Black girls.
When the film’s first trailer was released last year, parents began to share their children’s joyful reactions to seeing the actress as Ariel, with one heartwarming TikTok showing a fan shouting: “She’s Black. Mama, she’s Black. Mama, they made a Black Ariel.”
Halle Bailey said: “Seeing all the babies’ reactions, all the brown and Black young girls, really tore me up emotionally. It’s honestly been such a crazy ride, and I genuinely feel shocked and honoured, and grateful to be in this position. A lot of times, I have to pinch myself and [ask], ‘Is this real life?’”
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