Disney released the trailer for The Little Mermaid, and we are in love! The long-awaited live-action remake, which stars songstress Halle Bailey as Ariel, is just as important as it is stunning.

Disney announced in September 2021 that the remake will hit theaters on Memorial Day weekend in 2023, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The trailer starts with Bailey swimming through the seas, her beautiful locs in Ariel’s signature red color, and then adds Bailey’s soulful vocals on the film’s famous song, “Part of Your World.”

The announcement of Bailey as Princess Ariel received a little backlash in 2019.

Some individuals had issues with the difference in race between Bailey and the original Disney classic’s mermaid, but director Rob Marshall stood by his decision.

“After an extensive search, it was abundantly clear that Halle possesses that rare combination of spirit, heart, youth, innocence, and substance — plus a glorious singing voice — all intrinsic qualities necessary to play this iconic role,” Marshall shared in a statement, according to Playbill.

In June 2021, Bailey posted a photo on her Instagram, letting us know that production had wrapped. And she was so excited for us to see her as Princess Ariel.

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A post shared by Halle Bailey (@hallebailey)

“I cannot wait for time to speed up so you all can watch this film because it was made with so much love (plus blood sweat and tears) lol thank you sardinia for a wonderful ending!!! xoxo,” she wrote in the post’s caption.

Disney hasn’t had an African American princess since Anika Noni Rose voiced Tiana in The Princess and the Frog in 2009. This level of representation is equally a dream come true for many Black girls around the world.

The impact that the trailer has made is undeniable. These were some of the cutest reactions.

little mermaid

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