The Little Mermaid 2 Live-Action: 7 Shocking Reasons Why Disney Hasn't Confirmed The Sequel (เงือก น้อย ผจญ ภัย 2)

As of December 2025, the question of whether Disney will produce a live-action sequel to the 2023 hit, often referred to as เงือก น้อย ผจญ ภัย 2 or *The Little Mermaid 2*, remains one of the most hotly debated topics among fans. The original animated sequel, *The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea* (2000), introduced a beloved new character, Ariel and Prince Eric's daughter Melody, and a formidable new villain, Morgana. However, despite the 2023 live-action film's global success, the path to a live-action *Little Mermaid 2* is currently stalled, with official reports suggesting Disney has "no interest" in developing it at this time.

This lack of confirmation has fueled intense speculation across social media, where conceptual trailers featuring Halle Bailey's return as Ariel and the introduction of Princess Melody continue to generate millions of views. The curiosity centers on adapting the classic sequel's plot—a story of a young princess torn between the human world and the sea—to the modern cinematic landscape. The following is the most current and comprehensive breakdown of the sequel's status, potential plot, and the complex reasons behind the delay.

The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea (2000) - The Original Sequel's Legacy

To understand the anticipation for a live-action sequel, one must look back at the original animated film, *The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea*. This direct-to-video release, which premiered in 2000, established the core narrative that a live-action version would likely follow.

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• The Core Conflict: The story begins with Ariel and Prince Eric's daughter, Princess Melody, a human who is forbidden by her parents to go near the ocean. Ironically, Melody longs for the sea, mirroring her mother's desire for the land in the first film.
• The New Villain: The antagonist is Morgana, the vengeful younger sister of the defeated sea witch, Ursula. Morgana threatens the royal family, forcing Ariel to build a massive wall to separate the castle from the ocean, protecting Melody from the dangers of the sea.
• Ariel's Return: When Melody turns 12, she is lured by Morgana and eventually given a temporary mermaid tail. Ariel must return to her mermaid form to save her daughter and defeat Morgana, proving that her love for her family transcends the boundaries of land and sea.

This established storyline provides a ready-made script for a live-action adaptation, complete with high stakes, a new generation's journey of self-discovery, and the return of beloved characters like King Triton, Sebastian, and Flounder.

7 Shocking Reasons Why the Live-Action Sequel is Stalled

Despite the narrative potential and the fan excitement, Disney has not greenlit a live-action *The Little Mermaid 2*. While director Rob Marshall initially teased the idea of a live-action sequel, the official word is that the project is not currently in development. Here are the primary factors contributing to this creative and financial pause:

1. The Live-Action Film's Global Financial Performance

The 2023 live-action film's box office performance was complex. While it performed well domestically, its international box office returns were considered underwhelming by some analysts. Sequels are typically greenlit based on massive global profits, and the mixed financial reception may have made Disney hesitant to invest the enormous budget required for another underwater epic.

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2. The Challenge of Casting Princess Melody

The animated sequel's plot requires Melody to be around 12 years old. If a sequel were to follow the original timeline closely, Disney would need to wait a decade or more for a live-action Ariel (Halle Bailey) to naturally age into a mother of a pre-teen, or they would need to cast a young actress immediately. A significant time jump would also be required, which complicates continuity with the 2023 film's ending.

3. The 'Direct-to-Video' Stigma

The original *Return to the Sea* was a direct-to-video release, a format often associated with lower-quality animation and less critical acclaim. While the story is loved by many fans, Disney might be wary of investing a blockbuster budget into adapting a film that was not originally a major theatrical release. They may prefer to create a completely new, original sequel story.

4. The Difficulty of Topping Ursula's Performance

Melissa McCarthy’s acclaimed performance as Ursula was a highlight of the 2023 film. The sequel's villain, Morgana, Ursula's sister, is a less established character. Disney faces the challenge of casting a new actress who can match the charisma and menace of McCarthy, or finding a way to make Morgana a compelling, unique threat without simply being a copy of her powerful older sister.

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5. Focus on Other Live-Action Remakes

Disney’s live-action schedule is packed with other remakes and potential sequels, including *Moana*, *Snow White*, and *Lilo & Stitch*. Resources and creative focus may be directed toward these projects, which are seen as higher priorities or safer bets for global box office success.

6. The CGI and Underwater Filming Challenges

A major criticism of the 2023 film was the realistic yet sometimes lackluster appearance of the CGI animal companions (Flounder, Sebastian, Scuttle) and the difficulty of filming extensive underwater sequences. A sequel with an even larger focus on the sea and a new generation of merfolk would magnify these production challenges and costs.

7. The Potential for a Disney+ Spinoff Instead

Instead of a massive theatrical sequel, Disney might opt for a lower-budget series or movie focusing on a character like King Triton or a new Atlantica story for their streaming platform, Disney+. This strategy would capitalize on the brand's popularity without the financial risk of a major blockbuster film.

What a Live-Action The Little Mermaid 2 Would Look Like

Despite the lack of official confirmation, fan speculation and the animated source material provide a clear vision of what a live-action เงือก น้อย ผจญ ภัย 2 could entail:

The Return of Halle Bailey and Jonah Hauer-King

Both Halle Bailey (Ariel) and Jonah Hauer-King (Prince Eric) have expressed enthusiasm for returning to their roles. The sequel would focus on their lives as parents, with Ariel struggling to protect her daughter by keeping the truth of her past a secret. Hauer-King has even jokingly mentioned the need for a "sporting a beard" time jump to reflect his character's age.

The Introduction of Princess Melody

Melody's journey would be the emotional heart of the film. Like her mother, she would feel like an outsider, finding a mysterious locket that draws her to the sea and the ruins of Atlantica. Casting the right young actress to embody the adventurous and conflicted spirit of Melody would be crucial to the sequel's success.

Morgana's Vengeance and the Trident

The plot would culminate in Morgana, likely hiding in an ice cave, manipulating Melody to steal King Triton's Trident—the source of his power—as part of her plan to avenge Ursula and rule the sea. This would pit mother against daughter and force Ariel to make the ultimate sacrifice to save her family and the kingdom of Atlantica. The film would feature new musical numbers and breathtaking underwater sequences, with Ariel transforming back into a mermaid to face Morgana in a climactic battle.

Conclusion: The Future of Ariel’s Story

The demand for เงือก น้อย ผจญ ภัย 2 is undeniable, driven by the nostalgia for the animated classic and the success of Halle Bailey's Ariel. While the *official* status remains unconfirmed and reports suggest a sequel is not currently in Disney's pipeline, the studio has a history of reviving projects when fan interest and creative potential align. For now, fans must wait patiently, hoping that the success of the 2023 film on streaming platforms and continued merchandise sales will ultimately convince Disney to revisit the world of Atlantica and give Melody her long-awaited live-action debut.