Halle Bailey to Play Ariel in Disney's Live-Action "The Little Mermaid"

It’s official: the highly anticipated live-action The Little Mermaid has finally found its Ariel, and it’s none other than Halle Bailey.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Chloe x Halle singer was formally offered the titular Disney role on Wednesday, July 3. Director Rob Marshall explained in a statement that while the search was “extensive” it soon became “abundantly clear” that Halle has a “rare combination of spirit, heart, youth, innocence and substance — plus a glorious singing voice — all intrinsic qualities necessary to play this iconic role.”

Deadline reports that Awkwafina and Jacob Tremblay are also potentially joining the cast. As previously reported, Melissa McCarthy is in talks to portray the sea witch, Ursula, though no official deal has been announced. The film, which will contain both live-action and CGI, is set to begin production in 2020, and will be produced by Marshall, Marc Platt, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and John DeLuca. Miranda will reportedly team up with Alan Menken, the 1989 film's original composer, on new music for the upcoming movie.

The Little Mermaid will be Halle’s breakout feature film role. In addition to performing music with her sister Chloe, the 19-year-old was seen on Grown-ish as Sky Forster.

In the wake of the exciting news, Halle has since taken to social media to express her excitement. “Dream come true...” she wrote from the official Chloe x Halle Twitter account on Wednesday.

For Halle to step into this classic Disney princess role is a huge win for representation, and plenty of fans and fellow celebs are celebrating the importance of the casting. “My little toons is gonna see a piece of her in her favorite Disney princess. I cannot wait!!!” Chrissy Teigen commented on Instagram. Actor Halle Berry wrote on Twitter: “In case you needed a reminder... Halles get it DONE.”

Fans were equally as excited for the singer, with one person commenting that Halle “playing Ariel means the world to me and other little girls like me.” And another summed it up by writing: “For all the little girls who are going to see themselves in the portrayal of Ariel in the live action remake, you deserve this and so much more.”

Want more from Teen Vogue? Check this out: Lizzo Responded to Melissa McCarthy Possibly Playing Ursula With a Single, Perfect Emoji

Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue