The first official teaser for Disney's live-action adaptation of "The Little Mermaid" starring Halle Berry debuted during the ABC broadcast of the Academy Awards on Sunday night.
Bailey, 22, and co-star Melissa McCarthy, 52, unveiled the two-minute and eighteen-second teaser to the audience at the Dolby Theater and viewers at home.
Bailey portrays the film's main protagonist, the mermaid Ariel, who desires to live on land, while McCarthy displays her vocal abilities as the sea witch Ursula, who makes Ariel an irresistible offer.
The opening of the trailer depicts a massive ship battling a violent storm and choppy waters in the middle of night. One man slips overboard, but Ariel quickly swims to shore and leaves his comatose body on the sand as the sun begins to rise. Prince Eric, portrayed by Jonah Hauer-King, slowly opens his eyes to see Ariel hovering above him in a fuzzy vision. Suddenly, she hears Eric's shipmates, who had survived the violent storm, running in their direction. Ariel immediately returns to the water and swims away.
The following sequence gives viewers a glimpse of Ariel's underwater world, which she explores with her faithful companion, Flounder (Jacob Tremblay). Ariel's father, King Triton (Javier Bardem), then chastises her for "breaking the laws" by "going to the above world" She attempts to explain why she did it to save a man in peril, but King Triton will not listen.
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He told her that her fascination with humanity must end, to which Ariel responds that she only wishes to learn more about them."
Ariel, determined to fulfill her desire, accepts Ursula's offer to transform her into a human.
Before attaching her tentacles to a wide-eyed Ariel, Ursula grins menacingly and adds that this is what she lives for -transforming innocent mermaids, that is.
After a brilliant explosion in Ursula's lair, Ariel is seen swimming to the surface with legs, contrary to what she has always believed. Her seagull friend Scuttle (Awkwafina) is unable to determine what makes Ariel unique, prompting Ariel's guardian Sebastian (Daveed Diggs) to respond that she got legs!
Fans get a clearer glimpse at Ariel's vibrant underwater world, as well as a sneak peek at a new performance of "Part of Your World." Bailey certainly proved she's the best for this singing role.
In order for Ariel to remain human, she must feel the kiss of genuine love.
Fans can also see how Ariel's father warns her about the Prince being human while she's just a mermaid. Ariel however, obviously determined to see this through, said being a mermaid does not mean being an enemy to humans.
The official trailer concludes with a montage of thrilling action scenes, including a sight of Ariel and Eric leaning in for a kiss. "The Little Mermaid" is scheduled to be released in theaters on May 26 and will contain four unique songs in addition to classic favorites.
Meanwhile, the most recent red carpet ensemble worn by Halle Bailey is a dream come true. On March 12, 2023, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, the 22-year-old actress and singer wowed in a strapless sea-foam green gown that seemed to reference her future part as Ariel in Disney's live-action adaptation of "The Little Mermaid."
The Dolce & Gabbana dress had a nude-illusion corset top and a long, flowing tulle skirt, a Disney princess-worthy appearance. The singer of "Ungodly Hour" topped her jaw-dropping Oscars attire with a daring diamond necklace from De Beers and an updo.
Bailey, who was accompanied by her brother Branson Bailey as her date, raved to Live From E! anchor Laverne Cox about her wardrobe inspiration for Hollywood's biggest night.
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