Ariel Disney Eye Color: Unveiling the Secret Behind the Mermaid's Gaze

Ariel from Disney's "The Little Mermaid" is a beloved character with vivid, captivating features, not least of which are her enchanting hazel eyes. But did you know that Ariel's eye color has been a subject of debate and curiosity among fans worldwide?

In the iconic Disney animated film, Ariel's eyes appear to be a striking shade of green, but some viewers have also perceived them as hazel or even blue-green. So, what's the real deal with Ariel's eye color?

Ariel's Original Eye Color

The original concept art of Ariel depicted her with bright, emerald green eyes, a feature shared with the voice actor who brought her to life, Jodi Benson. This idea was later reinforced in the "Part of Your World" music video, where Ariel's eyes are undeniably green.

However, when it came to animating the film, the animators faced challenges in portraying realistic colors on the aged film stock they were using. As a result, Ariel's eye color could appear differently frame by frame, and from one scene to another, causing some viewers to question her eye color.

The Case for Hazel Eyes

Some viewers argue that Ariel's eyes are actually hazel, a combination of green, blue, and gold hues. They point to scenes where Ariel's eyes appear greenish-blue or have gold flecks, as evidence. Among these scenes is a notable one in the upcoming live-action "Little Mermaid" film, where Ariel's eyes are explicitly shown to be hazel.

Moreover, in some merchandise and artwork, Ariel's eyes are depicted as hazel, suggesting that Disney has deliberately experimented with this interpretation of her eye color.

The Blue-Green Variant

Another camp of viewers insists that Ariel's eyes are blue-green, a more vibrant and striking shade than a plain blue or green. They cite scenes where the animation exaggerates Ariel's features, such as during her underwater scenes or when she's singing, to support their claim.

This interpretation could also be the result of color shifts during the film's transfer to home video and other media, as well as variations in screen displays and lighting conditions during viewings.

The Evolution of Ariel's Eye Color

Throughout her various appearances in media, Ariel's eye color has evolved, which has only added to the confusion. In earlier films and shows, her eyes were more consistently green or blue-green. However, in later films and merchandise, her eye color Occasionally varies, often appearing more hazel or even gray-green.

This evolution could reflect a deliberate effort by Disney to diversify Ariel's appearance or merely the whims of different artists and creators working on the character.

Ariel's Eye Color in the Live-Action Film

The upcoming live-action "Little Mermaid" film has caused fresh waves of discussion about Ariel's eye color. In this version, Ariel is portrayed by Halle Bailey, who has warm brown skin and dark, almond-shaped eyes. The film's promotional materials show Ariel with hazel eyes, which aligns with Bailey's eye color.

However, it's important to note that the film is still in production, and its final portrayal of Ariel's eye color remains to be seen. It's possible that the filmmakers are still experimenting with her appearance or that the final cut will show a different interpretation of her eye color.

Ultimately, the debate over Ariel's eye color is a testament to the character's enduring popularity and the creativity of her fans. Whether her eyes are green, hazel, blue-green, or even gray-green, there's no denying that her spellbinding gaze has captivated audiences for decades. As Disney continues to explore Ariel's character in new films and projects, it will be exciting to see how her eye color and other features evolve to captivate future generations of viewers.