Ariel was designed using astronaut footage and the likeness of a teenaged actress
In short: The iconic movement of Ariel’s hair underwater was modeled after footage of astronaut Sally Ride in space. To capture her aquatic grace, animators also used live-action references of model Sherri Stoner swimming in a pool. This blend of science and performance helped define the look of Disney’s rebellious princess.
Ariel, the youngest daughter of King Triton and Queen Athena, debuted in the 1989 animated film The Little Mermaid. Developed by animator Glen Keane, her appearance drew inspiration from several figures, including Christie Brinkley and Alyssa Milano. While studio executives initially pushed for a blonde mermaid to mirror the success of the live-action film Splash, the filmmakers insisted on red hair. They argued that red provided a superior contrast to her green tail and was easier to darken during production. This choice, along with the creation of thirty-two distinct color models, allowed the character to remain visually consistent across diverse underwater and terrestrial environments.
The character’s personality was a deliberate departure from the tragic figure in Hans Christian Andersen’s 1837 fairy tale. Co-director Ron Clements sought to rewrite the mermaid as a curious, rebellious teenager, a trait that occasionally drew criticism for her devotion to Prince Eric. Jodi Benson, a stage actress chosen for her unique sweetness and youthfulness, provided both the speaking and singing voice. During the recording of the signature song Part of Your World, Benson requested dim lighting to simulate the atmosphere of the deep sea. The song itself was nearly cut from the film by Jeffrey Katzenberg, who feared it slowed the narrative, but it was saved by the persistence of songwriter Howard Ashman and animator Glen Keane.
Ariel’s legacy has expanded far beyond the original 1989 release. She became a founding member of the Disney Princess franchise in 2000 and has appeared in prequels, television series, and a Broadway adaptation. In the stage production, actors used wheeled footwear and wire-frame tails to simulate swimming. Her cultural footprint remains significant, evidenced by the 2023 live-action adaptation starring Halle Bailey and her continued presence in Disney theme parks. Whether through her role as the first Disney princess to become a mother in the sequel Return to the Sea or her origins as a free spirit in Ariel’s Beginning, the character remains a central pillar of the Disney Renaissance.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Ariel (The Little Mermaid)
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