Disney’s Live-Action Mermaid Versions
The first version of Ariel and the most iconic one to date is Disney’s animated classic released in 1989. The image of the mermaid princess, with her fair skin, flowing hair, and bright green tail, has left a deep impression on the audience’s psyche. After “The Little Mermaid” in 1989, she continued to appear in projects such as “The Little Mermaid 2: Return to the Sea,” “Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning,” and the animated television series in 1992.
Ariel in “Once Upon a Time”
“Once Upon a Time” is a unique television series that ran for nearly 10 years on ABC, exploring different perspectives of beloved Disney characters. Alongside Snow White and Mulan, Ariel the mermaid also has her own version that resonates deeply. JoAnna Garcia portrayed Ariel in the show. Not only is she the traditional Ariel, but she also possesses the supernatural ability of a mythical mermaid: to enchant with her beautiful voice and to transform physically… Moreover, Ariel in “Once Upon a Time” has the opportunity to journey through various different worlds.
Ariel in Broadway Musicals
Ariel the mermaid made her Broadway debut in 2008, thanks to the talented actress Sierra Boggess. Boggess’s performance brought her the prestigious Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actress in a Musical, and she was also praised by Jodi Benson—the original voice of Ariel in the animated film. To portray this challenging character underwater, Boggess wore a costume equipped with wheels to simulate swimming.
Ariel in Disney’s Live-Action Adaptation
Recently, the live-action version of Ariel in “The Little Mermaid 2023” has garnered significant attention from audiences. The casting of Halle Bailey as Ariel has become a pivotal moment for Disney. The Gen Z star was chosen from a vast pool of candidates, with a strong focus on her powerful and captivating voice that perfectly fits the character’s essence. In addition to her skin tone, Bailey’s version of Ariel also features a distinct hairstyle, along with several personality traits that set her apart from the animated original.
Despite encountering some controversies, “The Little Mermaid,” set to release soon from Disney, is expected to be a success, projected to earn $115 million in its opening weekend and potentially become a defining film in the live-action landscape.
“The Little Mermaid” premieres on May 26.
