Every change that has been announced in the live-action story of The Little Mermaid has been harshly criticized as if we were going back two hundred years in time. Not taking into account that the narrative must correct mistakes of the past, which we normalized because of the culture we grew up in.
Fortunately, we are backed up by Jodi Benson, Ariel herself, and she assured us that we must be aware of our environment and what is happening in it, without being stuck in the past. And we love that!
Jodi Benson, the OG Voice in The Little Mermaid, Supports the Changes in the Story
Jodi was in charge of voicing Ariel in Disney’s 1989 animated version and didn’t hesitate for a second to give her full support to Halle Bailey during her starring role. But the actress wasn’t the only one she supported during the premiere of the film, Jodi also assured that she agrees with the changes that were applied in the live-action adaptation, including the new songs.
The live-action The Little Mermaid will have certain adjustments that suit today’s ideals, for example, and very importantly, Ariel finds a real motivation to go abroad that does not focus solely on Prince Eric. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Jodi Benson stated that she agrees with the changes due to the times we live in.
“It’s 2023, so we have to grow, we have to learn, we have to be aware of our surroundings. We have to be aware of our growth as humans and what is important now and what is maybe not so important,” the actress expressed.
“Things change and we have to accept that. I think Rob Marshall and John DeLuca have done a great job of that, still honoring our original film. But you have to have growth. It’s very important to stay relevant to where we are, and what’s going on around us. We need to be aware. So the adjustments and alterations they needed to make was a must, but they were done beautifully and I’m very, very excited about it,” Jodi shared about the Disney live-action.
Likewise, the actress did not miss the opportunity to congratulate Halle again for being the new princess representing the present day, whom she also guided and supported throughout the filming. “I’m very proud of her and I wanted her to know that I was there for her in any way I could be. She did. She has told this beautiful story, and I am so excited for her,” expressed the actress.
If Ariel herself supports the changes in the new The Little Mermaid, why don’t you?
Story written in Spanish by Kate Nateras in Cultura Colectiva
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