It’s no secret Zendaya is a true talent, having conquered the TV world, shown off her incredible singing and dancing skills, slayed the fashion world, and is now becoming a true movie star. Her roles in Spider-Man: Homecoming and The Greatest Showman prove she’s made to be up in the big screen and with her Disney Channel roots, it was only a matter of time she joined forces with Disney again, this time for a major motion picture, right? Well, that’s a rumor swimming around at the moment and you’re going to have to brace yourself for this one: it’s being reported that Z is in talks to play Ariel in Disney’s live-action version of The Little Mermaid. And the 22-year-old is finally chiming in on what’s really going on.

Speaking to People, she admitted that while she was a huge fan of the animated movie growing up, as of now, the casting rumor is just that — a rumor.

“I loved The Little Mermaid. It is honestly one of my favorite movies of all time. I was obsessed with it when I was a little kid,” she said. “It’s just a rumor so we will see. I am an actor, I just like good roles. Things I can soak into and really sink my teeth into. I always try to find characters that I can find some human connection to.”

So that wasn’t a full shut-down this isn’t happening response, but also wasn’t a huge confirmation either. And when Variety asked her about the project, Z one again said it was just a rumor, but it’s a role she’s down to take.

“I mean, why wouldn’t I?” she excitedly said.

Hey, we’ll take it because it means the possibility of Zendaya playing one of Disney’s most iconic princesses is still alive. Singing “Part of Your World” while sporting long, red hair that perfectly flows in the water. We legit need a minute to process this.

little mermaid sebastian
Disney

The Hashtag Report was the first outlet to report on this casting update saying someone close to the studio told them Zendaya had been offered the lead role of Ariel, although Disney and reps for Z declined to comment on it. If she does end up taking the role, this would truly be something speical. It would honestly mean so much for so many young kids who will be seeing this version of the classic story for the first time to have Zendaya in the lead role. She’s ridiculously talented and as a woman of color, it really shows how she’s out here changing the game for the next generation of actresses that will come after her. Zendaya has already broken barriers and used her platform to educate others and speak up on issues that are important to her. Ariel is a fierce character who followed her heart and did what she thought was the right thing to do in order for her to live a happy life, finding what it truly means to have her own voice along the way. And we can’t think of anyone better to bring this character to life than Zendaya. One fan on Twitter summed it up perfectly:

Plus, we already know she can pull off red hair like the legend she is. 

zendaya red hair
Getty

Let’s make this happen now, please and thanks.

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