The sea breeze caresses your face as you lie unconscious on the beach, with the sound of waves gently breaking around you. Suddenly, a flash of light and a sweet song awaken you. Upon opening your eyes, you find yourself face to face with a beautiful mermaid princess, whose presence seems straight out of a fairy tale. Her skin glows in the sun, and her smile is as warm as the ocean that surrounds her. This scene, however, isn’t just a dream: it’s a humorous reference to actress Halle Bailey, who played Ariel in Disney’s live-action version of “The Little Mermaid,” a casting that sparked both admiration and controversy since its announcement in 2019.

Halle Bailey, now 25, became a cultural icon after the film’s release in 2023. Her portrayal of Ariel, the curious mermaid who yearns to explore the human world, was hailed for its poignancy and powerful voice, which resonated in songs like “Part of Your World.” However, her casting also generated backlash from some quarters who criticized the idea of ​​a Black actress portraying a character who, in the original 1989 animation, was white with red hair. Despite the racist criticism, Bailey stood her ground, supported by millions of fans who celebrated the diversity she brought to the role. Now, in May 2025, her impact continues to resonate, and this joke about a “beautiful mermaid princess” you find on the beach is a nod to her legacy in entertainment.

Imagine waking up on that beach and seeing Bailey as Ariel, her mermaid tail shimmering in the sun and her braided hair falling over her shoulders. In this fictional setting, she smiles at you and asks if you’re okay, her voice so melodious it sounds like something straight out of one of her songs. The joke here lies in the contrast between the traditional expectation of Ariel—a pale, red-haired figure—and the reality of Bailey, whose beauty and talent have redefined the character for a new generation. This imaginary encounter captures the magic of her performance, which led “The Little Mermaid” to gross more than $560 million at the global box office, according to Box Office Mojo, despite initial controversies.

Bailey’s impact isn’t limited to the screen. Since the premiere, she has used her platform to advocate for representation and inclusion in Hollywood. In a recent interview with Variety, published on May 20, 2025, Bailey reflected on her experience: “Playing Ariel was an honor, but also a responsibility. I wanted little girls who look like me to see that they, too, can be princesses.” Her message has inspired many, and her career has taken off with new projects, including a starring role in an upcoming Broadway musical slated for 2026. However, it hasn’t been without its challenges; like other young actresses like Rachel Zegler, Bailey has faced online harassment, leading her to scale back her social media presence in recent months.

Returning to our beach scene, imagine this mermaid princess offering you a hand to pull you up, her laughter echoing as the waves crash at your feet. In this fantasy moment, the color of her skin or the criticism she faced doesn’t matter; what matters is the magic Halle Bailey brought to the character of Ariel, transforming a Disney classic into a symbol of diversity and empowerment. The joke may make us smile, but it also reminds us of the lasting impact of her work, which has changed the way new generations view Disney princesses. As the sun sets over the horizon, you say goodbye to this mermaid, grateful for the reminder that beauty and talent know no barriers, and that even in a fairytale world, reality can be even more magical.