Halle Bailey to star in coming-of-age musical inspired by Pharrell Williams

Halle Bailey has been cast in the Universal musical inspired by Pharrell Williams.

The 24-year-old star joins Da'Vine Joy Randolph and Kelvin Harrison Jr. in the untitled coming-of-age movie that is being directed by Michel Gondry.

The film is set in the summer of 1977 at Virginia Beach and takes inspiration from Williams' childhood neighbourhood of Atlantis Apartments.

Gondry is directing from a script by Martin Hynes and Steven Levenson with Pharrell, Mimi Valdes and Gil Netter all serving as producers.

Halle played the lead role in the live-action remake of 'The Little Mermaid' last year and valued the cultural impact of being the first black actress to star as Ariel.

She told Deadline at the film's premiere: "This moment means everything to me, I'm so grateful to be here.

"I just feel really honoured and I'm happy the day has finally come where we can all watch it."

Bailey's casting in the picture became a trend on social media when the trailer for the remake was released but she hoped that young people of colour would "see a reflection of themselves" on the big screen.

The actress said: "It means the world to me, especially for the beautiful babies to be able to see a reflection of themselves. I am just honoured to be a part of this and be one of the princesses now because for me it was Brandy as Cinderella and then Anika Rose as Princess Tiana.

"So the fact that I am getting to continue this and live on this legacy is really exciting and I'm just grateful."