Original Ariel, Jodi Benson, Opens Up About Her 'Thrilling' Cameo in 'The Little Mermaid' Live Action

In a blink and you’ll maybe miss it moment, the original Ariel, Jodi Benson, pops up in the new live action version of The Little Mermaid.

In a new interview, the actress opened up about how her cameo came together and what it was like on the set, watching Halle Bailey take over the role of the red-headed mermaid.

Keep reading to find out more…

Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Jodi described her involvement, which lasts for only about a minute on screen, was “thrilling”.

“It was just a huge thrill for me when Robbie [Marshall, director] reached out. I’m like, ‘Of course I’m gonna come! I don’t care what I’m doing. I just can’t wait to get around the set and watch all of you work,’” she shared. “It was just pure joy for me.”

Jodi explained that while she’s only seen for a short time on screen, she did have to be in London (where the film was shot) for a month before because of lockdown and pandemic protocols.

“There was a heater at my feet at the cauldron-like place where I had my rice and bean mixture that I was cooking up for everybody,” she says, citing what her cameo involved in the marketplace scene. “[It] exuded a tremendous amount of heat. The cast members, in between takes, would love to come around to warm up.”

Rob then added that it was a full circle and meaningful moment to have Jodi there for the shoot.

“Halle was out of her mind to meet Jodi because she grew up with that Ariel,” he said. “Jodi was equally as lovely and effusive about this meeting. It was quite beautiful. I mean, it’s 34 years later. The beauty of Jodi is that she’s so open-hearted and excited about this Ariel living alongside her Ariel. They’re both there forever now.”

Just recently, Halle opened up about the impact of seeing young Black girls’ reaction to her as Ariel.

The Little Mermaid is out in theaters now.