Disney's Little Mermaid 2 Remake: Is It Worth the 9-Year Wait?

Summary

The success of the 2023 live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid opens up the possibility of a sequel, providing Halle Bailey with another opportunity to shine as Ariel.

The director of the initial film expressed that there is potential for sequels of Little Mermaid due to the presence of intriguing characters and storylines to delve into. Although revamping The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea might provide an opportunity for the less favored sequel, it would be more logical to reserve its concept for a third live-action film and pursue a unique narrative for The Little Mermaid 2.

Speculation is swirling about a potential sequel to the highly buzzed-about 2023 live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid. Despite mixed results at the box office, the film is widely regarded as one of Disney's top live-action remakes and achieved success when released on streaming platforms. Halle Bailey's impressive performance as Ariel has garnered attention, prompting the idea of further exploring her character if a sequel were to come to fruition.

While there hasn't been official confirmation about a live-action Little Mermaid 2, director Rob Marshall expressed optimism about the possibility. Marshall highlighted the story's timeless appeal and the potential for additional compelling narratives, stating that there are always opportunities to delve into "stories within stories." However, it would be unlikely for a sequel to revisit the plot of the animated Little Mermaid sequel, as this would cause significant delays in the release timeline.

Disney Has To Wait Several Years If The Little Mermaid 2 Adapts Return To The Sea

A second live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea would be an intriguing movie. However, it would need to be postponed for several years in order to make sense. The 2000 animated sequel, The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea, explores the life of Melody, the daughter of Ariel and Eric, 12 years after the original film. Like her mother, Melody is determined to venture beyond her familiar surroundings. In this case, her family resides on land, and she yearns to unravel the mysteries of the ocean.

The original 1988 Disney animated film is highly regarded, but its sequel is not as popular. Therefore, using the sequel as inspiration for the second live-action Little Mermaid movie could give it a second chance. However, it is not ideal to wait for Halle Bailey and Jonah Hauer-King to appear old enough for the mature roles. It would be more logical for the premise of The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea to be saved for a third live-action movie, and for a different story to be used as the plot of The Little Mermaid 2.

The Little Mermaid's Ending Sets Up A Better Sequel Than Return To The Sea

In the 2023 remake of The Little Mermaid, Ariel and Eric are seen preparing for a thrilling voyage on a ship, igniting anticipation for an even more captivating sequel than The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea. The first movie only provided glimpses of Ariel and Eric's dynamic, making their new shared journey a promising opportunity for The Little Mermaid 2. By focusing on their adventures and deepening relationship, this sequel would seamlessly pave the way for a third installment that introduces Melody, feeling like a natural evolution of the couple's story.