Little Mermaid Original Star Spills on Remake Updates
Jodi Benson, the iconic voice behind Disney's beloved The Little Mermaid, shares her candid thoughts on the highly anticipated remake and how it holds up against the original animated classic
Fans and interested parties have been sharing their opinions on Disney's live-action The Little Mermaid remake, but what about those who are uniquely qualified to speak on how it compares to the 1989 animated film? Jodi Benson, who famously voiced the main character Ariel in the original movie, has finally come out to give her thoughts on the remake's various changes to the formula. While there is plenty of vitriol surrounding the new movie, with much of it centering on racist complaints about the casting of Black actress Halle Bailey as the main character, Benson has a hopeful outlook. She believes that change is inevitable as time goes on and cultures evolve, and as a studio, Disney needs to make adjustments and take into consideration what's going on around us. "We need to be aware," she says.
The classic fairy tale of The Little Mermaid has undergone several changes over the years, including the 1989 animated film adaptation. The remake of the film also underwent changes, which Jodi Benson, the voice actress for the original Ariel, appreciates. Benson believes that the changes made to the story, along with the subtle nuances, are essential to address the current issues in the world and make the movie effective for this generation. Despite facing backlash for her role in the film, Halle Bailey received praise from Benson for her beautiful and sincere portrayal of Ariel. Many viewers have also expressed their admiration for Bailey's performance.
Despite the changes, Rob Marshall, the director of The Little Mermaid, still manages to honor the essence of the original film. Actress Jodi Benson, who played Ariel in the animated version, said that the film's integrity was paid tribute to in a beautiful manner. With this, fans who were apprehensive about the potential impact of the changes on the story can now breathe a sigh of relief. The movie promises to be a delightful retelling of the classic story. The Little Mermaid is currently showing in cinemas.
Source: People
