The Epic Journey Continues: Why Finding Nemo Deserves an Incredible Trilogy

Highlights

Marlin's unresolved grief over the loss of his wife, Coral, has hindered his character growth and created an opportunity for a third Finding Nemo sequel.

A possible sequel could delve into Marlin's quest to reconnect with his own identity and face his fear of losing those he cares about. By incorporating flashbacks or visions of Coral, Marlin can find closure and fans can gain a deeper understanding of their lives prior to Finding Nemo.

Finding Nemo, with its long-awaited sequel Finding Dory, has captivated audiences with its tale of separation and loss. However, there is another character whose journey of being lost takes a different form. With Nemo and Dory's stories told, it is time for Marlin to take the spotlight in the next installment, completing the trilogy. Marlin still has much personal growth to undergo and unresolved trauma from his past. A sequel focusing on Marlin not only wraps up his own story but also provides closure for Dory and Nemo in their quest for independence.

Marlin's life has primarily revolved around caring for and searching for others. Now, it is time for Marlin to care for himself. There are various aspects of his life and personality that offer room for growth. However, the most significant and mysterious aspect is his relationship with Coral, his deceased love interest. Coral's brief appearance in the franchise has left a lasting impact on Marlin and shapes his hopes and identity. While this influence can be positive, it also poses conflicts for Marlin. By exploring this inner conflict onscreen, Pixar has a compelling starting point for the third installment of the Finding Nemo franchise.

Why The Next Finding Nemo Sequel Should Focus On Marlin

Marlin's life took a tragic turn when he lost his wife, Coral, at the beginning of Finding Nemo. As a single parent, he became overprotective and has remained that way, unable to let go of his trauma. However, a new Pixar movie has the potential to explore this emotional conflict, pushing Marlin to change and grow. Otherwise, his unresolved trauma leaves him stagnant compared to Nemo and Dory.

In a hypothetical Finding Nemo sequel, a time skip could place Marlin in a situation where he must let go of an adult Nemo, as well as a more independent Dory, leaving him all alone. This empty-nester story is not uncommon for clown fish, despite their communal nature. It's interesting to note that in these communities, if the dominant female disappears, a male member undergoes a sex change to become the new leader. While this could be a step toward diversity onscreen, it's unlikely to be portrayed openly in a Disney children's film, given their conservative traditions. However, Disney is making progress in embracing diversity.

Nonetheless,

How Marlin's Story Can Bring Back A Little Known Character

, which involves Marlin facing his fear of losing loved ones and dealing with his past grief over Coral, would effectively convey the experience of spiritual loss—a theme that resonates universally. As Marlin grapples with losing his role as a nurturing father and being a pillar of support for Dory, he embarks on a personal journey to rediscover his individuality and independence. This quest could give rise to a classic cinematic subplot wherein Marlin unexpectedly finds romance. This narrative thread isn't too dissimilar from the Pixar animated short film "Dug Days," in which Carl from "Up" initially rejects the idea of dating but eventually contemplates and prepares for a date years after his wife's passing. Such a storyline would aptly suit Marlin, with Dory and Nemo possibly playing the role of Cupid.

Little is known about Marlin's wife, Coral, whose story begs to be revisited. However, her life and tragic demise have profoundly impacted Marlin, stunting his personal growth and leaving behind a void in his heart that must be addressed. Coral's instinct to protect ultimately led to her demise, which sparked Marlin's tendency to be overly protective. To help Marlin move forward, Elizabeth Perkins could reprise her role as Coral, appearing in flashbacks or visions. This would not only assist Marlin in finding closure but also grant fans the chance to delve into the past lives of Marlin and Coral, before the events of Finding Nemo. It's worth noting that Marlin has always had a pessimistic outlook on life, but perhaps this is the aspect that requires a transformation.

To complete the trilogy of Finding Nemo, it is essential to address the missing element in Marlin's story. Bringing together all of Marlin's sea friends from the franchise to support him on this journey would showcase that his potential life as an empty-nester does not have to be solitary. While a sequel titled "Finding Marlin" could take various directions, neglecting to provide Marlin with an opportunity to evolve and transform like Dory and Nemo would suggest that Disney and Pixar have either made a significant mistake or are purposely waiting another thirteen years to release the next Finding Nemo sequel.