Disney Celebrity Comments on CHANGES Made in the Live-Action 'The Little Mermaid'

Disney’s live-action The Little Mermaid has officially been released, and there are some things you need to know about it.

Live-action Ariel meet and greet

We’ve shared all kinds of news related to the film, including how Mermaid-inspired treats popped up in Disney World for a limited time, how you can meet the live-action version of Ariel in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and how you can stock up on Mermaid merchandise. If you’ve seen the movie, though, you might be wondering about some of the story CHANGES that were made from the original film. Well, now one Disney celebrity has chimed in to share their thoughts.

Without giving away too many spoilers about the live-action The Little Mermaid, some changes have been made to the film. In the live-action movie, Eric gets more of a backstory, plus there are additional songs for some of the characters.

©Disney

Other changes include some tweaks to song lyrics, which is something Jodi Benson — THE original voice of Ariel from the animated film — spoke about as being important.

She told People Magazine, “When you look at our film, we started in the studio in 1986 and we were released in 1989. 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.”

Little Mermaid print signed by Jodi Benson at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

She also spoke about how the live-action movie expanded the story in a new way. “I do feel all of the nuances and small, slight changes here and there are very important,” she said. 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.”

Ariel in Disney World

Benson went on to praise Halle Bailey, who plays Ariel in the live-action film. She said, “Halle’s interpretation of Ariel is absolutely beautiful. I loved everything that she did with the film…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.”

©Disney

The live-action The Little Mermaid is playing in movie theaters right now so you can check it out and see how you feel about the changes made.

Ready to create the perfect mermaid-inspired look? In case you missed it, we now have Ariel-inspired gear in our DFB Shop, like our Ariel’s Favorite Things Tee.

Ariel’s Favorite Things Tee

We’ll keep you updated on ALL things Disney, so stay tuned to DFB for more.

See the NEW Live-Action Little Mermaid Meet and Greet at Hollywood Studios

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Have you seen the live-action The Little Mermaid yet? What did you think of the story changes? Let us know in the comments!