Disney just announced the casting of Halle Bailey as Ariel in its new live-action remake of The Little Mermaid.
The 19-year-old is one half of Chloe x Halle, an American contemporary R&B duo.
‘After an extensive search,’ The Little Mermaid director Rob Marshall began. ‘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.’
While there are talks Melissa McCarthy will play sea witch Ursula, we still don’t have a Prince Eric.
So here’s a list of gay, bisexual, trans, queer, non-binary and gender fluid actors who could play Ariel’s romantic partner in The Little Mermaid.
Nyle DiMarco
Deaf and sexually fluid model Nyle DiMarco took to Twitter last night (3 July) to express his interest in playing Prince Eric.
‘Deaf Prince Eric or nah?’ the 30-year-old Dancing with the Stars winner tweeted.
DEAF Prince Eric or nah? pic.twitter.com/Mutt61g1DT
— Nyle DiMarco (@NyleDiMarco) July 4, 2019
Jake Borelli
Grey’s Anatomy actor Jake Borelli came out as gay through a sweet Instagram post at the end of last year.
He’s previously landed a role in the Netflix comedy drama film Reality High.
Nico Tortorella
Younger actor Nico Tortorella came out as genderfluid and non-binary in May 2018. They also identify as bisexual.
‘I just pretty recently have come to terms with the fact that maybe I am not fully cisgender,’ they explained on Instagram.
Keiynan Lonsdale
The Flash actor Keiynan Lonsdale came out as queer in May 2017.
He’s previously starred in the gay coming-of-age story Love, Simon as well as in the Divergent series.
Vincent Rodriguez III
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’s leading man Vincent Rodriguez III has revealed he has a husband.
Credited with pioneering romantic roles for Asian-American men on TV, he plays lead character Rebecca Bunch’s love interest Josh Chan on the show.
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Ezra Miller
Fantastic Beasts actor Ezra Miller came out as non-binary in November 2018, but he hasn’t expressed a clear preference for a particular pronoun.
He also previously came out as queer but said: ‘Queer just means no, I don’t do that. I don’t identify as a man, I don’t identify as a woman. I barely identify as a human.’
Elliot Fletcher
Trans actor Elliot Fletcher had a recurring role on MTV’s Faking It.
However, the 23-year-old is best known for his role on Showtime’s Shameless as the first trans character on the show and the love interest of Ian Gallagher.
what zodiac sign do i look like here? pic.twitter.com/wcHKp0Juxu
— elliot fletcher (@elliotfgf) May 16, 2019
Troye Sivan
Australian actor and singer Troye Sivan came out as gay via his YouTube channel in August 2013.
He’s previously starred in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, as well as heartbreaking coming-of-age story Boy Erased.
Chella Man
DC Entertainment announced the casting of actor Chella Man in March this year.
‘As a trans, Deaf, Jewish POC, I have always reminded myself of the power in my differences,’ he wrote at the time. ‘It’s a dream come true as I will now be able to showcase this power on the Titans.’
Brandon Flynn
13 Reasons Why actor Brandon Flynn came out as gay via social media in September 2017.
He’s previously dated singer Sam Smith and joined the third season of True Detective as Ryan Peters in a recurring role.
Bex Taylor-Klaus
Scream actor Bex Taylor-Klaus, who had previously come out as gay, came out as non-binary in July 2018.
‘I came out as trans non-binary in a room full of people today,’ the said. ‘Guess it’s time for me to do that on here, too… Hi. I’m Bex, and the rumors are true. I’m v enby.’
Who do you think should play Prince Eric in The Little Mermaid?
See also
Disney announces A-list headliners for official Pride event
Amazing pictures from Magical Pride, Disney’s first official LGBTI event