Halle Bailey opens up about backlash from ‘Little Mermaid’ casting

Halle Bailey is responding to critics for the first time after facing backlash over her “Little Mermaid” casting.

» RELATED: Atlanta native Halle Bailey to play Ariel in 'The Little Mermaid'

"I feel like I'm dreaming and I'm just grateful and I don't pay attention to the negativity," she told Variety at the Power of Young Hollywood gala. "I just feel like this role was something bigger than me and greater and it's going to be beautiful. I'm just so excited to be a part of it."

Last month, Disney announced Bailey, who is half of the Atlanta singing sister duo Chloe x Halle, would play Ariel in the live action remake. And the singer, who also stars in Freeform’s “grown-ish,” quickly became a trending topic online.

Many said the black actress should not have gotten the role because she doesn’t look like the animated version of “The Little Mermaid,” who is white.

However, several people and organizations defended Disney’s choice, including the TV network Freeform. The Disney-owned channel even penned an open letter about the controversy on social media, calling Bailey “incredible, sensational, highly-talented, and gorgeous.”

Although Melissa McCarthy and Harry Styles have been rumored to also star in the film, not many more details about casting have been released.

Production is expected to begin early next year.

» RELATED: Disney's Freeform pens open letter defending 'Little Mermaid' casting