The Definitive List: All Actresses Who Have Played Ariel, And The Future Of The Live-Action Princess

The character of Ariel from Disney's *The Little Mermaid* has captivated audiences for over three decades, but the question of "who played Ariel" has become more complex and fascinating than ever before. As of December 2025, the most recent and highly-publicized portrayal is by the immensely talented singer and actress, Halle Bailey, who starred in the 2023 live-action remake, igniting a global conversation about representation and the evolution of the classic Disney Princess. This deep dive uncovers all the major actresses who have brought the rebellious mermaid to life, from the original voice talent to the groundbreaking new star, and gives you the freshest updates on the character's future.

The iconic mermaid has been brought to life across animated films, Broadway stages, and television specials, making the list of performers a diverse and celebrated group of artists. While the original voice remains a cornerstone of the character's legacy, it is the live-action casting of Halle Bailey that has cemented Ariel’s place in modern cinematic history, ensuring her story resonates with a new generation of fans. We begin with a closer look at the current star who has redefined the role for the 21st century.

Halle Bailey: Live-Action Ariel Biography & Filmography

Halle Lynn Bailey, known professionally by her mononym Halle, is the actress and singer who took on the monumental task of playing Ariel in the 2023 Disney live-action film, *The Little Mermaid*. Her casting was a pivotal moment for the franchise, bringing a fresh perspective and a stunning vocal performance to the beloved character. She is best known as one half of the Grammy-nominated R&B duo Chloe x Halle, alongside her sister Chloe Bailey.

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• Full Name: Halle Lynn Bailey
• Date of Birth: March 27, 2000
• Place of Birth: Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
• Primary Career: Singer-songwriter and Actress
• Musical Duo: Chloe x Halle (Discovered and mentored by Beyoncé)
• Key Acting Roles (Television): Sky Forster in *Grown-ish* (2018–2022)
• Key Acting Roles (Film): Young Nettie in *The Color Purple* (2023), Ariel in *The Little Mermaid* (2023)
• Significant Achievement: Her performance of "Part of Your World" in the live-action film was widely praised for its emotional depth and vocal power.

Bailey's portrayal of Ariel was not just a role; it was a cultural event. Her casting as the first Black actress to play a live-action Disney Princess of this magnitude sparked both intense debate and overwhelming support, ultimately leading to a critically acclaimed and commercially successful film. The film's success is a testament to the power of her performance and her ability to embody the spirit of the curious, headstrong mermaid.

The Different Faces of Ariel: From Animated Voice to Broadway Star

While Halle Bailey is the most recent face of Ariel, the character’s history spans multiple decades and various mediums. To gain true topical authority on "ariel played by," one must acknowledge the foundational and subsequent performers who have shaped the Princess of Atlantica.

Jodi Benson: The Original Voice of Ariel

The definitive and original Ariel is, without a doubt, Jodi Benson. She provided the voice for the animated character in the 1989 classic *The Little Mermaid*, as well as its sequels, television series, and various Disney crossover projects. Benson’s soprano voice brought an unmistakable innocence and yearning to the songs, especially "Part of Your World," which remains one of the most beloved Disney songs of all time. Her work set the benchmark for all future portrayals.

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Benson has consistently shown support for the evolution of the character, including Halle Bailey's casting, emphasizing that the most important element of Ariel is the spirit she brings to the role, not her physical appearance. This support helped bridge the gap between the classic and modern interpretations.

Ariel on Stage: The Broadway and Live Musical Actresses

The story of Ariel has also been successfully translated to the stage, requiring a different set of talents to bring the mermaid to life in front of a live audience. These actresses are crucial entities in the Ariel universe:

• Sierra Boggess: She was the original actress to play Ariel in the 2008 Broadway musical adaptation of *The Little Mermaid*. Boggess's powerful stage presence and vocal range made her a celebrated figure among Broadway fans.
• Auli'i Cravalho: Known for voicing Moana, Cravalho played Ariel in the 2019 television special, *The Little Mermaid Live!* on ABC. This production combined footage from the original animated film with live stage performances of the songs, showcasing a unique hybrid format.
• Sara Bareilles: The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and composer also took on the role of Ariel in a concert version of the musical at the Hollywood Bowl, bringing her own unique, contemporary musical style to the role.

The Future Beneath the Waves: Will Halle Bailey Return in a Sequel?

The success of the 2023 live-action film has naturally led to intense speculation about a sequel, tentatively dubbed *The Little Mermaid 2*. While Disney has made no official announcement as of late 2025, the enthusiasm from the cast and the established precedent of animated sequels make a follow-up highly likely.

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Halle Bailey's Return: Both Bailey and her co-star, Jonah Hauer-King (who played Prince Eric), have publicly expressed their excitement and willingness to return for a second film. Bailey has stated she would "absolutely" love to come back, and Hauer-King has shared his hopes for a deeper exploration of Eric's world and their life together.

Potential Sequel Plot: The animated sequel, *The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea* (2000), focused on Ariel and Eric's daughter, Melody. A live-action sequel could follow a similar path, or it could create an entirely new narrative exploring Ariel's life as a human queen and her relationship with her father, King Triton, and the underwater kingdom of Atlantica. The potential for a new story arc, focusing on the challenges of ruling and motherhood, presents a fresh, compelling direction for the character.

The question of "ariel played by" is no longer a simple answer but a reflection of the character’s enduring legacy. From Jodi Benson's original voice to Halle Bailey's groundbreaking live-action performance, each actress has contributed to the rich tapestry of the Disney universe. As the franchise looks toward a possible *The Little Mermaid 2 (2026)*, Halle Bailey is poised to continue her reign, ensuring that Ariel's story of curiosity, courage, and the pursuit of a world beyond her own will inspire audiences for generations to come. The evolution of the Disney Princess continues to be one of the most exciting narratives in modern cinema.