'The Little Mermaid': Chloe Bailey Is 'Overwhelmed' By Positive Response To Movie's Trailer

Halle Bailey is still in disbelief at the success of the first trailer of "The Little Mermaid," where she stars as the lead character, Ariel, ET reported.

"It's been really crazy, really overwhelming. I've been so emotional when I see all the babies," Halle told the outlet during her appearance at the WACO Theater Centers' Wearable Art Gala with her sister and the other half of the Chloe X Halle musical duo, Chloe Bailey.

"I'm just really honored and just pinching myself," she added.

The trailer was a big hit, especially with little Black girls who quickly identified with the iconic Disney character. Seeing the little girls' reactions to the trailer made Halle cry, according to ET.

The animated movie's trailer was first unveiled during Disney's D23 Expo at Anaheim Convention Center in California, last month. Halle's rendition of the movie's most famous song, "Part of Your World," earned praise from attendees of the event.

On Twitter, celebrities gushed in excitement at Disney's latest iteration of the classic mermaid tale. The trailer also kicked off a TikTok trend showing parents filming their kids' reactions to "The Little Mermaid" teaser trailer.

Halle, 22, was cast in the role in 2019 and received backlash after landing a role that was traditionally played by white actresses.

In September, Halle addressed the criticisms saying that she "grew with Ariel's character in a way," before adding, "I think that was the biggest takeaway for me, just to believe in myself and know that I'm worthy."

"And even still today with all of the commentary and people's opinions going on, it just reminds me to be number one: grounded, and grateful that I have this opportunity and the fact that it's sparking such a discussion for all of us...I mean, I know what it would've meant to me as a little girl to have been able to see a Black Ariel," she added.

"The Little Mermaid" is directed by Rob Marshall and also stars Jonah Hauer-King, Art Malik, Noma Dumezweni, Javier Bardem and Melissa McCarthy. Awkwafina, Daveed Diggs, Jacob Tremblay are also part of the cast in voice roles. The movie is set to hit theaters on May 26, 2023.