As Disney fans prepare for the live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid, Halle Bailey reveals some of the ways the picture was “updated.”

Particularly, Halle stated that, contrary to how the original film ended, Ariel no longer leaves the sea to ensure her future with a man!

Halle stated in an interview with Edition that the creators “definitely changed that perspective of her just wanting to leave the ocean for a boy.”

“I’m really excited for my version of the film because we’ve definitely changed that perspective of her just wanting to leave the ocean for a boy.”

For perspective, internet users have consistently chastised Ariel over the years for her decision to abandon her underwater existence in order to marry “a local” called Prince Eric.

Rather of supporting this viewpoint by following suit, Halle claims that Ariel’s decision is “way bigger than that.” In reality, the issue is “about herself, her purpose, her freedom, her life, and what she wants,” rather than “a boy.” Period!

Finally, the R&B singer says that because women are “amazing,” “independent,” and “modern,” she’s excited to have a role in the remake of the iconic Disney classic.

“As women, we are amazing, we are independent, we are modern, we are everything and above. And I’m glad that Disney is updating some of those themes.”

In addition to discussing how Ariel’s persona was altered for the remake, Halle Bailey acknowledged the entire production process.

Halle described the event as “a crazy ride,” adding that she is “shocked, honoured, and grateful to be in this position.”

“It’s honestly been such a crazy ride, and I genuinely feel shocked and honored and grateful to be in this position. A lot of times, I have to pinch myself and be like, is this real life?”

She went on to claim that she “genuinely feel[s] like” the event had a significant impact on her young adulthood path.

“I feel like I learned so much through her. I auditioned when I was 18, got the role when I was 19, and I turn 23 this year. So I genuinely feel like [the Ariel role] helped me grow up.”

Bailey concluded by acknowledging, “I pushed myself as far as I’ve ever pushed myself in life, and I feel like the message from her was to know that you’ve always had it in you.”

Main Image: Halle Bailey| Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images for Vanity Fair