"The Little Mermaid" Is Getting Nothing But Rave Reviews, And One Of Them Is Coming From The Original Ariel Herself, Jodi Benson

"I'm so proud of her!"

Last night, celebrities flocked to the world premiere of The Little Mermaid.

Jesse Grant / Getty Images for Disney

The film stars Halle Bailey as the beloved Disney princess Ariel, who, I must say, portrays the role of the curious, adventurous mermaid so effortlessly and honestly.

Jesse Grant / Getty Images for Disney

Attendees included former Disney stars like Tia and Tamera Mowry, Skai Jackson, and more.

Jesse Grant / Getty Images for Disney

The carpet was also graced by some familiar Disney princesses like Princess Tiana aka Anika Noni Rose...

Jesse Grant / Getty Images for Disney

...as well as the original Ariel, Jodi Benson!

Alberto E. Rodriguez / Getty Images for Disney

Jodi couldn't help but gush over Halle as her successor when asked why Halle was the ideal choice to play Ariel, citing "her pure spirit, her joy, her love, her unbelievable vulnerability, her authenticity, her bravery, her courage...it's just beautiful."

Alberto E. Rodriguez / Getty Images for Disney

"It's just a beautiful telling of the Ariel story," Jodi went on to tell the Hollywood Reporter. "I'm so proud of her!"

🥹🥹🥹 pic.twitter.com/ldnzWPYuAY

— The Little Mermaid (@LittleMermaid) May 9, 2023

The Little Mermaid / https://twitter.com/LittleMermaid/status/1655798665972453377?s=20

And while Jodi admitted she'd be seeing the film in its entirety for the first time at the premiere, there was no doubt in her mind that Halle nailed the role, just based off the scenes she's seen so far and the multiple meetings she's had with Halle.

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But even in those meetings, Jodi said she didn't really need to prep Halle. "She doesn't need any advice from me, she's brilliant," Jodi told Entertainment Tonight.

The original voice of Ariel, Jodi Benson, gushes over Halle Bailey's "brilliant" performance in #TheLittleMermaid: "I'm so proud of her." pic.twitter.com/rxHwrOwRPY

— Entertainment Tonight (@etnow) May 9, 2023

Entertainment Tonight

But Jodi wasn't the only one raving about Halle! Early reviews have been rolling in, and people on Twitter are calling it a hit!

#TheLittleMermaid is a live-action remake that retains the heart and soul of the story we know and love, and it’s elevated even further by a note-perfect star-making performance from Halle Bailey - she was born to be on the big screen, & she’s why this new take is worth watching. pic.twitter.com/Tcewp2L4MY

— Zoë Rose Bryant (@ZoeRoseBryant) May 9, 2023

Walt Disney Studios

I was blown away by #TheLittleMermaid. Some visual issues aside, it’s the most romantic and, dare I say, magical Disney has been in years. The best live-action remake by a mile. Daveed Diggs is the MVP. Halle Bailey is a superstar, and her Part of Your World is a showstopper. pic.twitter.com/496HuuTfcd

— Brandon Lewis (@blewis1103) May 9, 2023

Photo curtesy of Disney

#TheLittleMermaid makes it pretty close to being the best live action Disney movie, however it still struggles in the villain department. Halle Bailey IS Ariel and I had literal chills throughout her performance. This is a little mermaid retelling like you’ve never seen before. pic.twitter.com/JjtLOR61vL

— Felicia (@becomingfelicia) May 9, 2023

Disney

The Little Mermaid is magical. Halle Bailey is absolutely phenomenal. That girl has some pipes! Scuttle & Sebastian are hilarious & had me laughing the whole way through. Love the new songs & added plot points! Some CGI issues, but they don't take away from it. #TheLittleMermaid pic.twitter.com/PCDRNotK7L

— Tessa Smith - Mama's Geeky (@MamasGeeky) May 9, 2023

Walt Disney Studios

#TheLittleMermaid was more than I could have hoped for. So fun and heartfelt, and every plot point and character felt familiar yet brand new. Halle and Jonah are pure magic together!!! pic.twitter.com/B8jarp30cj

— Chloe Williams (@afangirlfirst) May 9, 2023

Disney

After the years of nothing but disgusting, racist fueled, hatred being sent her way, I’m glad the world is about to be singing @HalleBailey ’s praises. It’s about damn time! #TheLittleMermaid pic.twitter.com/N01gxOBjpW

— Gay Ice Cube (@devnsworld) May 9, 2023

Walt Disney Studios

#TheLittleMermaid really surprised me. It's my favorite Disney live-action remake by far. (Not saying much I know.) Halle Bailey's voice is phenomenal, and Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric is charming. The rest of the cast is solid. The animals still look creepy but grew on me. pic.twitter.com/syjAjP3uCw

— John Nguyen (@JohnSpartan300) May 9, 2023

Walt Disney Studios

Halle Bailey IS #TheLittleMermaid. An angelic voice, the longing in her eyes, the chemistry with Jonah Hauer-King. She’s flawless. The movie overall isn’t but there’s more than enough charm, heart and adventure there to power it forward.

Melissa McCarthy is a deliciously… pic.twitter.com/l5EITXf9f1

— Perri Nemiroff (@PNemiroff) May 9, 2023

Disney

I had the honor of attending an early screening, and I share the same sentiments. The film is magical. The characters are nostalgic yet new. And Halle's ethereal performance is one that will be felt for ages!

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection

And don't get me started on the songs! I'm desperately awaiting the soundtrack to drop.

I hope these reviews and Jodi's stamp of approval encourage you all to see The Little Mermaid when it hits theaters on May 26.

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures / courtesy Everett Collection