“What impacts me the most is when I see the reactions of the babies – that’s what makes me cry. And even thinking about it makes me cry, because I think back to when I was younger and if I were to have that [representation] what that would have done for me and changed for me. [Holds back tears] In terms of my confidence and my self worth it means so much to be able to see someone who looks like you in these huge roles. For a lot of people who’ve had that [representation] all their lives, it seems normal. But for us, it is monumental.”

Covering our Summer 2023 issue, The Little Mermaid’s Halle Bailey talks to co-star Jonah Hauer King about the journey from the audition room to the big screen, and the profound impact the live-action remake is having in challenging the industry’s standards on representation. Pre-order the issue now at wonderlandshop.com.