It turned out that the “canonical” Ariel appeared not just in the new The Little Mermaid, but in a way that sparked immediate curiosity among fans. Film director Rob Marshall shared in an interview with Comicbook that the film adaptation will feature a cameo from Jodi Benson, the voice behind Ariel in the beloved original 1989 cartoon, a revelation that sent fans scurrying to replay scenes and speculate about how the new version would honor the classic voice that many grew up with. Benson’s return is framed as a deliberate nod to the franchise’s roots, a bridging moment that ties the fresh cinematic interpretation to the cherished animation that started it all. It’s a move that signals respect for the enduring legacy while inviting a broader audience to discover it anew.
Halle Bailey and Jodi Benson
Jodi’s appearance in a single short scene on land, where she plays a market girl who hands Ariel a fork, is described as a symbolic gesture that connects the new face of Ariel, Halle Bailey, with the original performer who helped define the character. Viewers were quick to speculate that this brief cameo would serve as a passing of the torch, a moment of continuity that lets audiences feel the lineage of the role across generations. Early footage circulating online indicates the scene is understated yet meaningful, inviting fans to consider how the film studio is balancing homage to the past with the excitement of a contemporary adaptation.
The film adaptation premiered on May 26, while it is scheduled to arrive in Russia on June 2, reflecting the typical staggered release pattern that accompanies major productions with global distribution. In the months leading up to the global rollout, audiences have watched eagerly for new trailers, behind-the-scenes snippets, and the kinds of cross-media impressions that help keep the film at the top of fans’ wish lists. The release cadence underscores how studios manage anticipation across different regions, while still offering fans opportunities to catch premieres, screenings, and special events that help sustain momentum in the weeks after the debut.
In the midst of the marketing bustle, there was chatter about a popular cosplayer who showcased a personal interpretation of the Little Mermaid, attesting to how the character continues to inspire fan art, cosplay, and creative expression far beyond the film’s official footprint. New posters featuring the core ensemble, including Triton, Eric, and Ursula, surfaced across various networks, fueling conversations about casting, design choices, and how the new visuals align with iconic imagery from the franchise’s history. This wave of fan-driven content helps keep the revival conversation dynamic, balancing studio-led messaging with grassroots engagement that resonates with a broad spectrum of viewers.
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(VG Times)