The legendary voice of Disney’s Ariel, Jodi Benson, recently offered a poignant look into her deep connection with the iconic mermaid, celebrating Ariel’s timeless traits and endorsing the necessary evolutions seen in the live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid.
For over three decades, the enchanting melodies and adventurous spirit of Ariel have captivated audiences worldwide, largely thanks to the indelible performance of Jodi Benson. As the original voice behind the spirited mermaid princess, Benson’s connection to Ariel runs deep, evolving with the character through various interpretations and new cinematic journeys. Her recent reflections offer fans a unique glimpse into the enduring magic of The Little Mermaid and its continued relevance.
Ariel’s Core: Tenacity and an Independent Spirit
During a recent panel at New York Comic Con on October 11, 2025, alongside Christopher Daniel Barnes (the voice of Prince Eric), Jodi Benson delved into the qualities of Ariel that resonated with her instantly. She highlighted Ariel’s unwavering tenacity as a key trait she could relate to.
“I think the quality of her tenacity is something I really could relate to right off the bat,” Benson shared, explaining how Ariel “just keeps plowing forward until every door shuts in her face, figuratively.” This relentless pursuit of her dreams, whether it’s exploring human treasures or seeking a life on land, is a core aspect of Ariel’s appeal.
Beyond tenacity, Benson also found common ground in Ariel’s “free, independent spirit, which can come off as rebelliousness in some regards.” This fierce independence, often clashing with her father King Triton’s rules, is what drives much of Ariel’s story of self-discovery and her courageous journey to create a new connection between her two kingdoms of land and sea. This sentiment was echoed in an exclusive conversation with People in August 2025, where Benson expressed feeling “one and the same” with the character after nearly 40 years.
The Father-Daughter Dynamic: A Personal Challenge
While many aspects of Ariel came naturally to Jodi Benson, she revealed that one element was particularly challenging: Ariel’s relationship with her father, King Triton. Benson candidly shared, “I did not have a relationship with my father. He had left when I was 11, so that element of father-daughter was a little difficult for me to tap into.”
However, Benson found invaluable guidance from Howard Ashman, the lyricist and producer of The Little Mermaid, who also voiced King Triton. “He was really helpful for me to kind of create that relationship,” Benson explained. Ashman’s presence allowed Benson to build an authentic emotional connection to the character, illustrating the collaborative magic behind Disney’s animated classics.
Embracing Change: The Live-Action Perspective
The recent live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid brought with it some changes, particularly in the lyrics of beloved songs like ‘Kiss the Girl’ and ‘Poor Unfortunate Souls’. These adjustments were made to emphasize Ariel’s agency and her desire for self-discovery and to see the wider world, rather than solely focusing on a romantic interest.
Jodi Benson has been a vocal defender of these changes, emphasizing the importance of staying relevant in contemporary society. Speaking to Digital Spy, Benson stated, “We’re talking about starting our [voiceover] sessions in 1986 [for the original film]. It’s 2023, so we have to grow, we have to learn, we have to be aware of our surroundings.” She praised director Rob Marshall and producer John DeLuca for honoring the original film while ensuring necessary growth. This modern perspective aligns perfectly with Ariel’s inherent independence and curiosity, making the character even more relatable to today’s audiences.
Another notable change in the live-action film is Ariel joining Sebastian in singing a portion of ‘Under the Sea’, a detail that further integrates her into the musical fabric of her undersea world.
A Timeless Story for New Generations
Benson’s deep affection for Ariel extends to her excitement for how the character continues to resonate with new, younger generations. She expressed how it still “amazes” her to see the character’s impact and to have the privilege of being part of Ariel’s legacy, as detailed in an interview with D23 Inside Disney. This sentiment underlines the universal themes of longing, discovery, and finding one’s place that make The Little Mermaid a timeless classic.
From the original animation to the recent live-action reimagining, Ariel’s story continues to inspire and evolve, championed by the woman who gave her voice. Jodi Benson’s reflections remind us that while times change, the core spirit of adventure, determination, and the courage to dive into something new remains at the heart of what makes Ariel truly special.
