Jodi Benson Expresses Excitement Over Her Cameo in The Little Mermaid

Jodi Benson, the original voice of Ariel in Disney’s animated classic The Little Mermaid, is thrilled to be part of the live-action remake. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Benson expressed her excitement about her cameo appearance in the film and her eagerness to be on set and observe the production. She also described the experience as pure joy.

Passing the Torch

During her cameo, Benson’s character offers a bowl of food to Halle Bailey’s Ariel. As a callback to the original film, Ariel mistakenly uses a fork to style her hair, reminiscent of the iconic scene where Ariel does the same at Prince Eric’s castle. Director Rob Marshall felt it would be more natural to recreate the moment in a marketplace setting, providing the perfect opportunity for Jodi Benson to make her cameo without making the scene stunt-y.

Reflecting the Times

Jodi Benson also spoke about the changes made in the live-action remake to reflect the current society. She emphasized the importance of making adjustments and considering what is happening in the world. Benson believes that addressing these changes and making the film effective for the present generation is crucial. She praised the film for delving deeper into the characters and expanding the story in ways that were not possible over 30 years ago, especially with the limitations of animation during that time.

Honoring the Original

Despite the new additions and changes, Jodi Benson mentioned that the film still pays tribute to the integrity of the original. She expressed her admiration for the way the live-action remake shines through in its beautiful tribute to the animated classic. Director Rob Marshall expressed his excitement and gratitude for Jodi Benson’s cameo. He recognized Benson’s role as a beloved and iconic part of the franchise and felt it was perfect to have her presence in the film.