The Secret Voice: 5 Shocking Facts About Jodi Benson's Hidden Role As EVA In Metal Gear Solid

Contents

The revelation that Jodi Benson, the iconic voice of Ariel in Disney's *The Little Mermaid*, was the voice behind the seductive and mysterious spy EVA in the *Metal Gear Solid* series is one of the most fascinating and long-running secrets in video game history. For nearly two decades, this incredible casting decision remained an industry rumor, shrouded in secrecy and pseudonyms. The truth finally came to light with the announcement of the highly anticipated remake, *Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater*, giving the story a fresh, modern context in the current date of December 20, 2025.

The stark contrast between Benson’s family-friendly, G-rated Disney work and the mature, espionage-driven world of Hideo Kojima's masterpiece, *Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater*, is what makes this story so compelling. Her dual life as a voice actress—the wholesome mermaid princess and the double-crossing Russian spy—is a testament to her incredible range and the discreet nature of the voice acting industry. This deep dive explores the full story, the reasons for the secrecy, and the latest updates on her return to the role.

Jodi Benson: A Detailed Biography and Career Profile

Jodi Benson, born Jodi Marie Marzorati, is an American actress, voice actress, and soprano singer whose career spans over four decades in film, television, and Broadway. She is recognized globally as a Disney Legend, but her extensive portfolio includes dramatic, comedic, and musical roles far beyond the sea.

  • Full Name: Jodi Marie Marzorati Benson
  • Date of Birth: October 10, 1961
  • Place of Birth: Rockford, Illinois, U.S.
  • Major Disney Role: Ariel in *The Little Mermaid* (1989), a role she has reprised for numerous sequels, TV series, and theme park attractions, solidifying her status as a cultural icon.
  • Broadway Career: She received a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical for her performance in the 1992 production of *Crazy for You*.
  • Other Notable Roles: Thumbelina in *Thumbelina* (1994), Barbie in the *Toy Story* franchise, and Weebo in *Flubber* (1997).
  • Faith and Public Life: Benson is known for her strong Christian faith, which she often discusses at conventions and public appearances, including recent ones at New York Comic Con 2025.

Her career trajectory highlights an actress who successfully navigates the extremely different worlds of family entertainment and mature-themed media, a contrast that is perfectly encapsulated by her secret role in the *Metal Gear* series.

The Suzetta Miñet Mystery: Why Ariel’s Voice Went Undercover

The biggest question surrounding Benson's involvement in the *Metal Gear Solid* franchise is not that she was cast, but why her identity was hidden for nearly 20 years. The answer lies in the dramatic difference between her public persona and the character of EVA.

The Conflict of Persona

When Benson was cast as EVA in 2004’s *Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater*, she was already world-famous as Ariel. The character of EVA, a Chinese-American spy posing as a KGB agent named Tatyana during Operation Snake Eater, is a highly sexualized, manipulative, and "sultry spy" figure who engages in mature dialogue and suggestive scenes with Naked Snake.

Benson, who has always been protective of her brand and deeply associated with child-focused entertainment, made a conscious decision to use a pseudonym. She did not want her name to be directly affiliated with a role that was so diametrically opposed to the wholesome image of Ariel and her other Disney characters.

The Pseudonym Revealed

For the original releases of *Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater* (2004) and *Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker* (2010), the voice actress for EVA was credited as Suzetta Miñet. This name served its purpose, keeping the secret safe and allowing Benson to explore a more complex, mature character without causing confusion or controversy among her primary audience.

The rumor persisted among dedicated fans for years, fueled by the distinctive tone and quality of EVA's voice. However, it wasn't until the official promotion for the upcoming remake, *Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater*, that Konami officially confirmed the long-held speculation, finally revealing that Suzetta Miñet was, in fact, Jodi Benson. The official reveal, nearly two decades later, was a major news story in the gaming and entertainment worlds.

EVA's Legacy and Benson's Return in Metal Gear Solid Delta

EVA is not just a secondary character; she is the deuteragonist of *Metal Gear Solid 3*, playing an essential role in the narrative and the ultimate betrayal that sets the stage for the entire *Metal Gear* saga. Her relationship with Naked Snake (later Big Boss) and her connection to the legendary mentor, The Boss, makes her a pivotal figure in the lore.

The Complexities of EVA

EVA, who is also known by the aliases Tatyana, Matka Pluku, and later as Big Mama in *Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots*, is a character defined by her ability to manipulate and survive. She is a skilled spy, a fantastic biker, and a master of disguise, constantly navigating the treacherous waters of the Cold War.

The character is often praised for her strength and ability to save Snake multiple times, but she is also divisive due to her sexualized nature and her final, shocking revelation that she was a triple agent working for China, not the KGB or the CIA. Benson’s performance gives depth to this complex character, lending a unique, almost musical quality to the spy's voice that contrasts with the gruff tones of David Hayter's Naked Snake.

Reprising the Role in the Remake

The most exciting and current news for fans is that Jodi Benson is officially returning to voice EVA in the upcoming remake, *Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater*. This is a significant development, as it means the new generation of gamers will hear her original, iconic performance, now fully credited under her real name. Furthermore, the search results from 2025 indicate she is actively participating in the promotion of the game, including first-look videos at her character.

The return of Benson confirms Konami's commitment to honoring the original cast and story, while finally giving the legendary voice actress the public credit she deserves for one of the most surprising and successful secret roles in her storied career. The long-running mystery of Suzetta Miñet is finally put to rest, cementing Jodi Benson’s status not just as the voice of Ariel, but as a crucial, unforgettable entity in the *Metal Gear* universe.

Key Entities and LSI Keywords

  • EVA (Tatyana, Big Mama, Matka Pluku)
  • Naked Snake (Big Boss)
  • *Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater* (2004)
  • *Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater*
  • *Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker* (2010)
  • Suzetta Miñet (Pseudonym)
  • Ariel (*The Little Mermaid*)
  • Konami
  • Hideo Kojima
  • Operation Snake Eater
  • The Boss
  • Volgin
  • Shagohod
  • KGB Agent
  • Voice Acting Secrecy
  • Disney Legend
jodi benson metal gear
jodi benson metal gear

Detail Author:

  • Name : Beatrice Kessler
  • Username : lincoln.yost
  • Email : bridie19@friesen.com
  • Birthdate : 1981-05-19
  • Address : 7902 Arthur Burg Apt. 036 McDermottberg, TX 21376-0819
  • Phone : 937-941-7271
  • Company : Casper-Cruickshank
  • Job : Highway Maintenance Worker
  • Bio : Nisi veniam sequi modi corrupti reiciendis. Et voluptatem earum saepe ut sed aut ea. Quibusdam non et et laudantium voluptatibus est est. In harum natus molestiae est sunt natus.

Socials

linkedin:

tiktok:

  • url : https://tiktok.com/@eastonwiegand
  • username : eastonwiegand
  • bio : Dolorem ipsam explicabo veritatis consequatur consequatur iusto.
  • followers : 6433
  • following : 1187