The 2023 live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid brought new life to one of Disney’s most cherished animated classics. Directed by Rob Marshall and starring Halle Bailey as Ariel, the film blended nostalgic melodies with modern energy, offering a richer, more grounded take on the undersea fairy tale.
Visually, the film dazzled. From the vibrant coral reefs to the dim, shadowy lair of Ursula the sea witch, every scene was crafted with immersive detail. Bailey’s performance was widely praised—her voice soared during iconic moments like “Part of Your World,” and her Ariel was portrayed not just as a wide-eyed dreamer, but as a determined young woman eager to explore life beyond the sea.
While the film retained much of the original’s charm, it also added a few thoughtful updates. Prince Eric, played with warmth and curiosity, was given more personality and backstory. Ariel’s transformation into a human wasn’t solely about love, but also about identity and freedom. These shifts helped the story resonate more deeply with today’s audiences.
Some critics noted pacing issues and moments where the CGI felt less fluid, but overall, the film succeeded in balancing nostalgia with reinvention. It reaffirmed the message at its core: that finding your voice—both literally and figuratively—requires courage, sacrifice, and self-belief.
Imagining a sequel set for 2025, The Little Mermaid 2: Tides of Legacy would continue Ariel’s journey as both a human and a bridge between two worlds. Now living on land with Prince Eric, Ariel begins to feel the pull of the ocean once more—especially when mysterious ocean storms begin disrupting coastal life.
Whispers speak of a forgotten power hidden deep in the ocean trenches—an artifact left behind by Ariel’s mother, Queen Nerida, long presumed lost. As Ariel investigates, she uncovers ancient secrets about her royal bloodline and the true origins of the merpeople. Her return to the sea is not just personal, but political—merfolk and humans are once again on the brink of distrust.
This sequel would explore themes of heritage, identity, and unity. Ariel must navigate not only her dual loyalties but also a growing threat from a new antagonist: a rogue sea sorceress who believes the ocean should never have mingled with the human world.
With returning characters like Sebastian, Scuttle, and King Triton, along with new sea creatures and allies, Tides of Legacy could offer fans a blend of high-stakes adventure, heartfelt storytelling, and musical spectacle.
