The enchantment of Disney’s latest live-action rendition of The Little Mermaid extends beyond Halle Bailey’s captivating performance of “Part of Your World” and other beloved musical numbers like “Under the Sea” and “Poor Unfortunate Souls.” While audiences cheer for these dazzling moments, there is a cameo appearance that might escape the notice of some theatergoers. (The film, opening to an astonishing $118 million over the holiday weekend, has taken the world by storm.)
During Ariel (played by Bailey) and Eric’s (portrayed by Jonah Hauer-King) delightful journey through a bustling coastal market, a friendly merchant offers Ariel a peculiar item: a fork, known affectionately as a dinglehopper by her feathered friend Scuttle (played by Awkwafina). What makes this scene truly special is the identity of the merchant – none other than Jodi Benson, the beloved actress who lent her voice to Ariel in the original 1989 animated film.
