The Little Mermaid will be returning to screens like a brand new woman – one who apparently won’t be leaving her underwater home to chase a man. 

Halle Bailey will be playing Disney’s famous princess Ariel in the live action remake that’s set for release this summer. 

The original animation, released in 1989, follows the teenage mermaid who falls in love with human prince Eric and dreams of living above water. 

However, while being one of the most popular Disney tales, the film has long been criticised by some for what they deem to be problematic messaging, suggesting Ariel needs to be saved by a man to live her dream. 

Well it seems the live action version will be giving The Little Mermaid more of a modern spin, judging by Halle’s latest teaser. 

‘I’m really excited for my version of the film because we’ve definitely changed that perspective of just her wanting to leave the ocean for a boy,’ she told Edition magazine. 

Halle will make her debut as The Little Mermaid this May (Picture: Disney)

Ariel is one of Disney’s most popular princesses (Picture: Disney)

However, live action Ariel might be more independent than her animated version (Picture: Disney)

‘It’s way bigger than that. It’s about herself, her purpose, her freedom, her life and what she wants.’ 

Halle, 22, continued: ‘As women we are amazing, we are independent, we are modern, we are everything and above. And I’m glad that Disney is updating some of those themes.’ 

The Do It singer also opened up about the racism she was subjected to after being announced as the new Ariel, but said the heartwarming reactions from young Black girls gave her motivation. 

Halle said she was touched by the heartwarming response from young Black girls to her casting (Picture: Invision/AP)

A brand new trailer for The Little Mermaid was released last month and gave a first full glimpse of Ursula, the witch, played by Melissa McCarthy. 

The clip featured new shots of Ariel frolicking beneath the waves, while the purple villain’s face appears at the end as Ursula lets out a cackle. 

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Aside from Halle and Melissa, the remake will also star Javier Bardem, Daveed Diggs, Awkwafina, Jacob Tremblay and Jonah Hauer-King. Filming wrapped all the way back in July 2021, with fans clamouring for more ever since Halle shared a first glimpse of herself as Ariel to celebrate.

The Little Mermaid hits cinemas on May 29 while the soundtrack will arrive on May 19.

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Ariel’s getting a shiny makeover in the live action remake.