Why The Original Little Mermaid Jodi Benson Approved Of Updating The Songs

Disney's original Ariel Jodi Benson was fully supportive of the studio's new live-action update to "The Little Mermaid." In particular, the fact that director Rob Marshall decided to update the lyrics to some of the classic songs such as "Kiss the Girl" to better reflect the times we live in. Benson, for her part, understands the need for change and doesn't feel any negativity about it.

Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, Benson talked a bit about the updated songs, which are well over 30 years old at this point. The actress explained that this version, which sees Halle Bailey taking on the role of Ariel, truly needed to update the songs to reflect the world of 2023 — not 1989. Here's what she had to say about it:

"We're talking about starting our [voiceover] sessions in '86 [for the original film]. It's 2023, so we have to grow, we have to learn, we have to be aware of our surroundings. We've got to be aware of our growth as humans and what's important now and what maybe isn't as important. Things change. We've got to roll with that."

Benson was very complimentary of director Rob Marshall and producer John DeLuca, who managed to pay tribute to the original while updating it for a new audience. She said:

I think that Rob [Marshall] and John [DeLuca] have done a beautiful job of doing that, and still paying tribute and honor to our original film. But you've got to have growth. It's very important to stay relevant with where we are, what's going on around us. We need to be aware. So the adjustments and the fine-tuning that they needed to do, it was a must, but it was done in a beautiful way, and I'm very, very thrilled with it."

Benson seems to be handling the release of the live-action version with a whole lot of class. It's worth pointing out that the original "The Little Mermaid" was hugely important in its day for ushering in a new era of Disney animation that became a towering force in the '90s. It would be easy for someone to take the other position.

Instead, Benson has been all about love and support. In particular, she was there to support Bailey, who is taking on the weight of this role in what figures to be one of the most high-profile films of the summer (read our review here). Speaking further, Benson explained how she supported the young actress on her journey.

"It's been great for me to be able to just love on her and support her and her family. And to know that she was in great hands with all of the staff, and especially with Rob and John. And to know just the beautiful way that she has been able to capture Ariel and all that is part of Ariel. And just how incredibly proud I am of her, just wanting her to know that I was there for her in whatever way I could be. She did it. She has told this beautiful story, and I'm just so thrilled for her."

"The Little Mermaid" hits theaters on May 26, 2023.