The Two Voices Of Ariel: Where Are The Little Mermaid Stars Now? (2025 Update)
The question of who voices Ariel in The Little Mermaid has two definitive answers, each representing a pivotal era in Disney history: the animated classic and the modern live-action adaptation. As of December 2025, this topic remains a source of fascination, highlighting the careers of two immensely talented women—Jodi Benson and Halle Bailey—who have both brought the inquisitive mermaid princess to life, but in fundamentally different ways. The distinction is crucial for fans, as it bridges the gap between the beloved 1989 animated film and the groundbreaking 2023 live-action remake, showcasing the enduring legacy of the character.
The original voice, Jodi Benson, is an iconic Disney Legend, while the new live-action star, Halle Bailey, is a rising global superstar who has successfully navigated the intense spotlight of reimagining a classic role. Both actresses continue to make headlines with exciting new projects, from solo music careers and new movie roles to secret Disney collaborations and official ambassador duties, proving that the magic of Ariel extends far beyond the ocean’s surface.
Jodi Benson and Halle Bailey: A Tale of Two Ariels
The identity of Ariel’s voice depends entirely on which version of the film you are referencing. Understanding the biography and current projects of both women provides a complete picture of the character’s legacy.
Jodi Benson: The Original Voice of Ariel (1989)
- Full Name: Jodi Marie Benson (née Marzorati)
- Born: October 10, 1961 (Age 64 as of late 2025)
- Role: Voice of Ariel in The Little Mermaid (1989) and all subsequent animated appearances (sequels, TV series, video games, etc.).
- Key Roles (Voice): Barbie (Toy Story 2, 3, 4), Thumbelina (Thumbelina), Helen of Troy (Hercules: The Animated Series).
- Recent Updates (2025): Benson was recently named the first official D23 FAN-bassador, an honorary role recognizing her deep connection with Disney fans. She has also teased a new, secret Disney project, confirming in early 2024 that she recorded a new song, hinting at another potential appearance or collaboration within the Disney universe. She also made a cameo appearance as a market vendor in the 2023 live-action film, a symbolic passing of the torch.
Halle Bailey: The Live-Action Ariel (2023)
- Full Name: Halle Lynn Bailey
- Born: March 27, 2000 (Age 25 as of late 2025)
- Role: Portrayed Ariel in the live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid (2023).
- Key Roles (Acting/Music): Skyler Forster (Grown-ish), Nettie (The Color Purple, 2023), Member of the musical duo Chloe x Halle with her sister, Chloe Bailey.
- Recent Updates (2025): Bailey has launched a major solo music career, releasing her debut solo album, Love? Or Something Like It, in late 2024, which she described as a raw, emotional journey. She is also starring alongside Regé-Jean Page in the new romantic comedy film, You, Me & Tuscany, marking a significant step in her post-Disney acting career. Her performance as Ariel cemented her status as a global star.
The Enduring Legacy of Ariel’s Voice: 1989 vs. 2023
The difference between the 1989 and 2023 films is more than just animation versus live-action; it’s a contrast in vocal performance and character interpretation. The original animated classic, directed by John Musker and Ron Clements, launched the Disney Renaissance, largely on the strength of Jodi Benson’s powerful and emotive singing voice.
Benson's performance of "Part of Your World" is considered one of the greatest Disney songs of all time. Her voice captured the wide-eyed innocence and desperate longing of a teenager yearning for life beyond her father’s kingdom, King Triton. The success of the film, which also featured the iconic voices of Pat Carroll as Ursula and Kenneth Mars as King Triton, established a high bar for all future Disney Princesses.
The 2023 live-action adaptation, directed by Rob Marshall, faced the challenge of honoring this legacy while introducing a fresh perspective. Halle Bailey’s casting was a global news event, and her performance was lauded for bringing a new depth and emotional resonance to Ariel. Her rendition of the classic songs, alongside new tracks penned by Alan Menken and Lin-Manuel Miranda, was a highlight of the film. The live-action cast also featured major stars, including Melissa McCarthy as Ursula, Javier Bardem as King Triton, and Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric.
The live-action film required Bailey to not only sing but also to act out the physical and emotional transformation of Ariel, a task she handled with grace. Her voice, while distinct from Benson’s, captured the same spirit of curiosity and determination, ensuring the character felt both familiar and new to a modern audience. The meeting between Jodi Benson and Halle Bailey at the 2023 premiere symbolized a powerful moment of continuity and mutual respect between the two generations of Ariel.
The Supporting Voices: A Deep Dive into Ariel’s World
Ariel’s journey is supported by a rich ensemble of characters, whose voices are just as memorable. A comparison of the voice actors in both versions reveals the shifting landscape of Disney casting, moving from established voice actors to a mix of stage veterans, comedians, and musical stars.
Key Supporting Cast Comparison (1989 vs. 2023)
The vocal talents behind Ariel's closest companions and antagonists are essential to the storytelling. The contrast between the two casts is a fascinating study in cinematic adaptation:
- Ursula:
- 1989: Pat Carroll (Voice Actress and Comedian)
- 2023: Melissa McCarthy (Actress and Comedian)
- King Triton:
- 1989: Kenneth Mars (Stage and Voice Actor)
- 2023: Javier Bardem (Academy Award-Winning Actor)
- Sebastian (The Crab):
- 1989: Samuel E. Wright (Broadway and Voice Actor)
- 2023: Daveed Diggs (Tony and Grammy Award-Winning Actor/Rapper)
- Flounder (The Fish):
- 1989: Jason Marin (Child Actor)
- 2023: Jacob Tremblay (Acclaimed Child Actor)
- Scuttle (The Seagull/Gannet):
- 1989: Buddy Hackett (Comedian and Actor)
- 2023: Awkwafina (Actress and Rapper)
The 2023 film utilized modern celebrity voices to bring a fresh, often comedic, energy to the roles. Daveed Diggs, for example, brought a unique vocal style to Sebastian, while Awkwafina’s take on Scuttle—reimagined as a Northern Gannet instead of a seagull to allow for underwater scenes—provided a contemporary comedic flair. The casting choices in both films reflect the era in which they were produced, yet all actors successfully captured the spirit of the original characters created by the musical team of Alan Menken and Howard Ashman.
The Future of Ariel’s Voice and Story
With the success of the 2023 live-action film, the story of Ariel is far from over. Fans are already speculating about potential sequels or spin-offs, a tradition established by the original animated film, which spawned a direct-to-video sequel, The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea, and a prequel, The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning. The future of the character will undoubtedly be carried by Halle Bailey, who has embraced the role and the responsibility of the Disney Princess title.
Meanwhile, Jodi Benson’s continued involvement with Disney, highlighted by her D23 FAN-bassador role and her teasing of a new secret project, ensures that the original voice of Ariel remains an active and beloved part of the Disney community. Her legacy is not just the voice of a princess, but the voice of the entire Disney Renaissance, a period that revitalized the studio’s animated musical tradition.
Ultimately, the answer to "Who is the voice of Ariel?" is a celebration of two extraordinary artists. Jodi Benson gave Ariel her timeless, yearning voice, defining a generation. Halle Bailey gave Ariel her powerful, live-action presence, inspiring a new one. Both women have secured their place in cinematic history, ensuring that the song of the little mermaid will continue to echo for decades to come.
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