Many fans and other interested parties have been sharing their opinions on Disney's live-action The Little Mermaid remake. But what about those uniquely qualified to speak on how it compares to the 1989 animated film? That's where Jodi Benson comes in.
Benson, who famously voiced the main character Ariel in 1989's The Little Mermaid, can certainly claim to be familiar with the feel of the Disney original film. So she has finally come out to give her thoughts on the remake's various changes to the formula. Plenty of vitriol surrounds the new movie, with much of it centering on racist complaints about The Little Mermaid due to its main character being played by Black actress Halle Bailey. But not only is change inevitable as time goes on, but it's also encouraged, and Benson has something to say on that matter.
Benson recently spoke to People about her feelings on the new The Little Mermaid compared to her film, and she revealed a hopeful outlook. "When you look at our film, we started in the studio in 1986 and we were released in 1989," she said, offering context. "Times change, people change, cultures change. What matters and what is important changes. And, as a studio, we need to make those adjustments, and we need to take into consideration what's going on around us. We need to be aware."
Interestingly, even 1989's The Little Mermaid was different from the original tale, and much of that likely had to do with audiences of the time not responding well to the story's less happy ending. That trend has continued with the remake, and Benson seems to appreciate the changes and why they were made. "I do feel all of the nuances and small, slight changes here and there are very important," she continued. "It's very important to address what's going on right now in our world and to make it effective for our period of time, where we are right now in this generation."
As for Bailey, who has dealt with hate for her Little Mermaid role from people who likely never intended to see the movie in the first place, Benson had nothing but adoration to share. "I loved everything that she did with the film," she praised. "I love the acting, I love the singing, and just the pure spirit. Her beautiful love for the character comes through. It's just a beautiful, beautiful performance." This seems to track with most reactions to Bailey's performance thus far, which is encouraging.
Don't worry, though. Even with all the changes like Melissa McCarthy's flamboyant new take on Ursula, The Little Mermaid director Rob Marshall still appears to be honoring what made the original special. "The way that they paid tribute to the integrity of our original film just comes shining through in such a beautiful way," Benson added. "It really is just breathtaking."
So it seems those who may have been open to the changes but wary of how they would affect the story can rest easy. There's a lot to look forward to with this beloved retelling.
The Little Mermaid is now playing in theaters.
Source: People