Original Little Mermaid Actress Reacts to Live-Action Changes

Original Little Mermaid actress, Jodi Benson, has responded to changes made in the live-action adaptation of the beloved 1989 Disney animated film. The story follows Ariel, a young mermaid who longs to explore life on land. The remake, set to be released on May 26th, stars Halle Bailey and includes some alterations to the classic story and songs.

Benson recently spoke with Entertainment Weekly about the changes and defended them, explaining that while preserving the original spirit is crucial, updating Ariel's story to feel relevant in modern times is equally important. See Benson's full comments below:

We must acknowledge our growth as individuals and recognize what holds significance now and what may not. Change is inevitable, and we must adapt accordingly. Rob Marshall and John DeLuca have brilliantly balanced this adaptation while still paying homage to the original film. However, growth is crucial, and it's essential to stay relevant to our surroundings. Awareness is key. The adjustments and fine-tuning were necessary, and they executed it beautifully. I'm thrilled with the result.

{{video_placeholder_1}} The Little Mermaid Live-Action Differences Explained.

One notable difference in the live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid is the shift in Ariel's motivation for exploring the world above the sea. Unlike the original story where she was driven by her infatuation with Prince Eric, the new adaptation will focus on Ariel's personal desire for exploration. In a similar vein, Prince Eric's character will also be expanded upon, as he is portrayed as someone fascinated with the vast oceans beyond his kingdom. His song, "Wild Uncharted Waters," reflects his yearning for adventure and a different life.

The Little Mermaid remake not only adds new scenes to the film, but also features changes to the lyrics of some beloved songs from the 1989 classic. "Kiss the Girl" and "Poor Unfortunate Souls" have both undergone lyric adjustments, causing controversy among fans. Additionally, the film has received criticism for its decision to depict animal characters, such as Sebastian and Flounder, in a more realistic and less cartoonish manner.

Despite these changes, The Little Mermaid will still draw inspiration from the original animated film while also introducing its own unique elements. With a runtime of 2 hours and 15 minutes, which is almost an hour longer than the original, viewers can expect many surprises in store.