Jonah Hauer-King Defended Halle Bailey In A Recent Interview, And Yeah, That's MY Prince Eric

    "They became more and more ridiculous the more I worked with her, the more I realized how incredible she was and how born she was for the role."

    Dannica Ramirez
    by Dannica Ramirez

    BuzzFeed Staff

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    Jonah Hauer-King, who plays the charming Prince Eric in Disney's live-action The Little Mermaid, recently revealed in a new interview with Square Mile some of his thoughts on the controversy surrounding Halle Bailey being cast as Ariel.

    Jonah and Halle holding hands on the red carpet
    Jeff Spicer / Getty Images

    When asked about the racist backlash surrounding Disney's initial announcement that Halle would take on the role of the iconic red-haired mermaid, Jonah noted how the positive reactions outshined the negative ones.

    Jonah and Halle smiling at each other
    David M. Benett / Hoda Davaine/Dave Benett / WireImage

    The 28-year-old English actor said, "[The negative critiques] became more and more ridiculous the more I worked with her, the more I realized how incredible she was and how born she was for the role."

    Close-up of Jonah sticking his tongue out
    @jonahhauerking / Instagram / Via instagram.com
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    Disney's animated The Little Mermaid (1989) was based on Hans Christian Andersen's 19th-century story, and Jonah addressed those who were upset about the remake's "accuracy."

    Jonah sitting with a cutout of Halle as Ariel
    @hallebailey / Instagram / Via instagram.com

    "It’s fascinating that people didn’t mind all of the changes that were made from [the original story]," he said.

    Jonah and Halle picking out from behind a gate in a scene from the movie
    Disney

    "In that version, Ariel kills herself, I believe. Becomes a sort of air spirit and goes off with the angels. It’s an incredibly sad, dark, moving story. Quite different to the cartoon."

    Halle and Jonah aren't afraid to show off their loving friendship, and Jonah was quick to praise his costar in the interview: "I was so impressed that [Halle] deals with everything with such graciousness and elegance."

    Jonah and Halle hugging on the set
    @jonahhauerking / Instagram / Via instagram.com

    The duo appear to be very close onscreen and off, and it makes a lot of sense, considering the amazing chemistry they have together.

    Narcity / Via youtube.com

    If you're itching to see Halle and Jonah on the big screen, The Little Mermaid is out now!

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