Exclusive: Jodi Benson Talks Season 3 of The Wingfeather Saga

Jodi Benson is back, and this time she’s diving into the fantastical world of The Wingfeather Saga in ways that are as dramatic, heartfelt, and downright epic as fans could hope. When I got the chance to interview her, I may have geeked out a little—okay, a lot—especially when she cheekily referenced her iconic Disney role, quoting the unforgettable line from The Little Mermaid, “part of your world.” The moment perfectly set the tone for a conversation full of laughter, nostalgia, and behind-the-scenes insights into Season 3 of the saga. Benson’s exclusive take reveals a show that’s as emotionally rich as it is visually stunning, with adventures that will pull families, fantasy fans, and loyal viewers alike right into its magical vortex.

Season 3 of The Wingfeather Saga, based on Andrew Peterson’s celebrated book series, promises to raise the stakes like never before. Benson, who voices the strong, nurturing, and fearless Nia Igiby, shared with me just how immersive and intense this latest season has been for both her character and herself. “Stressful. Very stressful,” she admitted, reflecting on Nia’s journey. Between protecting her two sons and navigating leadership challenges, Nia faces a rollercoaster of fear, frustration, and emotional strain that Benson says pushed her performances to new heights. Fans should expect a season packed with tension, triumph, and moments that might just leave you reaching for tissues.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Benson’s work on the series is how she approaches voice acting as full-bodied performance. “I’m not really in my body anymore; I go in a zone,” she explains. Her description of recording sessions—complete with screaming, crying, sliding, and even climbing—paints a picture of a voice actor who lives every moment as Nia. Unlike many modern productions where ensemble recordings are rare, Benson records mostly alone, relying on a decades-honed imagination to channel the interactions and emotional beats of her co-stars. “I have that gift of imagination. So I can hear everybody talking in my head,” she said, proving that solo recording can still deliver fully realized performances.

Season 3 also gives Nia more room to shine, revealing her authentic self in a way that earlier seasons only hinted at. Benson experimented with dialects during auditions, finally settling on a subtle Irish influence that captures the “Lord of the Rings kind of feel” she envisioned for the character. “We found that voice and we locked in,” Benson explained. This season allows Nia to fully express her personality, moving beyond the hidden nuances of earlier episodes and embracing her growth as a mother, leader, and adventurer.

Beyond the voice work, Benson raved about the season’s visuals and world-building. Expect a feast for the eyes as the saga explores a variety of stunning locations, rich in magical creatures and adventure. “The destinations and the locations where everything is shot are really spectacular,” she shared, making it clear that Season 3 isn’t just a narrative journey, it’s a visual one as well.

Perhaps the most compelling takeaway from our chat is Benson’s admiration for her character. She sees Nia as braver, more patient, and more grounded than she is herself, a reminder that great storytelling can inspire and challenge even the performers behind the scenes. “She’s much more brave than I am. She’s also very grounded,” Benson said. With themes of courage, family, and faith woven throughout, this season promises a narrative that resonates on multiple levels, emotionally, morally, and visually.

Season 3 of The Wingfeather Saga isn’t just another animated show; it’s a “crazy, wild adventure,” in Benson’s own words, that combines heart, humor, and high-stakes drama into a family-friendly package. Between her intense voice acting, the breathtaking visuals, and Nia’s courageous journey, it’s clear that fans are in for something truly special.

For longtime viewers and newcomers alike, Benson’s insights highlight why this saga continues to captivate audiences: it’s a story of adventure, heart, and imagination that doesn’t talk down to its audience, and one where even the voice actors are sweating through their performances (literally). Season 3 is set to deliver the perfect mix of magic, emotion, and excitement and Jodi Benson is the perfect guide.

The Wingfeather Saga Season 3 lands exclusively on Angel Studios, and with Benson at the helm of Nia’s story, this season is one you’ll want to experience from start to finish. Keep your eyes peeled, your imagination engaged, and maybe a tissue handy, Benson’s performance is as immersive as it is unforgettable.

Check out our full interview below: