Voice of Ariel in 'Little Mermaid' <br />Defends Halle Bailey's Casting Since news broke that the <br />'Chloe X Halle' singer would play the part, <br />there has been online backlash. A campaign called #NotMyAriel emerged, <br />furious that Disney cast a black actress for the role. But at a recent convention in <br />Florida, actress Jodi Benson said <br />that race does not matter and that <br />the story is the most important factor. Jodi Benson, via Florida Supercon She also lended her vocals <br />to Ariel in two sequels. Jodi Benson, via <br />Florida Supercon Production on the live-action Disney movie will begin sometime next year.
