5 Ways The 2023 Prince Eric Redefined Disney Royalty: Jonah Hauer-King's Full Biography & New Projects

The character of Prince Eric has undergone a monumental transformation in the modern Disney canon, a change that has fundamentally redefined the role of the Disney Prince. As of the current date, December 18, 2025, the conversation still revolves around the 2023 live-action remake of *The Little Mermaid*, where the once-passive animated royal was given a profound sense of purpose, a compelling backstory, and his very own power ballad. This fresh take, embodied by the talented British actor Jonah Hauer-King, turned Prince Eric from a handsome plot device into a fully realized, yearning romantic lead.

This deep dive explores the radical and necessary updates to Prince Eric’s character, the crucial addition of his new song, and the soaring career trajectory of the man who brought this modern monarch to life, Jonah Hauer-King, with a complete look at his latest, grittier projects following his breakout Disney role.

The Man Behind the Prince: Jonah Hauer-King's Full Biography and Latest Projects

The success of the 2023 Prince Eric hinges entirely on the performance and depth brought to the role by the actor chosen to play him. Disney found this perfect blend of classic charm and modern complexity in Jonah Andre Hauer-King.

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Jonah Hauer-King: Biography Profile

• Full Name: Jonah Andre Hauer-King
• Born: May 30, 1995
• Birthplace: London, United Kingdom
• Nationality: British and American
• Parents: Jeremy King (Restaurateur) and Debra Hauer (Theatre Producer/Journalist)
• Education: Attended Eton College, then read Theology and Religious Studies at St John's College, Cambridge University.
• Early Career: Began his professional acting career on stage at the Lyric Theatre in Belfast.
• Breakout Roles: Laurie Laurence in the BBC adaptation of *Little Women* (2017), Harry Chase in the BBC drama *World on Fire* (2019–2023), and the title role of Prince Eric in *The Little Mermaid* (2023).

Jonah Hauer-King's Career Trajectory: From Disney Prince to Prestige Roles (2024-2025)

Since his global exposure as Prince Eric, Jonah Hauer-King has strategically chosen a diverse slate of projects that demonstrate his range, moving far beyond the Disney mold. This transition proves he is one of the most exciting rising stars in the industry.

• *The Tattooist of Auschwitz* (2024): Hauer-King took on the challenging and grittier role of Lale Sokolov in this Sky/Peacock limited series, an adaptation of the best-selling novel. This project marked a significant shift toward serious, historical drama.
• *The Threesome* (Upcoming): Signaling an entry into his "romcom era," this provocative yet tender-hearted film shows him exploring different facets of modern relationships.
• *William Tell* (2025): He is set to star in this upcoming feature film, further establishing his presence in prestige cinema.
• *The Eden Express* (Upcoming): Another anticipated project that continues to diversify his filmography.
• *Doctor Who* (2025): While details are scarce, his name has been linked to the iconic BBC series, suggesting a foray into major sci-fi/fantasy television.
• Anna Biller's Medieval Horror (2025): Hauer-King is also set to shoot a medieval horror film in Prague with filmmaker Anna Biller, showcasing his willingness to tackle unique genre projects.

5 Ways the 2023 Prince Eric Is the Best Disney Prince

The live-action remake, directed by Rob Marshall, made several crucial changes to Eric's character, transforming him from a one-dimensional love interest into Ariel's true equal. These updates were essential to make the central romance between Eric and Ariel (played by Halle Bailey) feel earned and plausible for a modern audience.

1. He Has a Compelling Character Arc and Motivation

In the 1989 animated classic, Prince Eric's main personality trait was his love for his dog, Max, and his desire to marry. The 2023 version gives him a profound drive: a desire to explore the "wild uncharted waters" beyond his kingdom. He is an adopted prince who feels stifled by his royal duties, constantly clashing with his mother, Queen Selina, over his passion for sailing and discovery. This yearning for a world beyond his own mirrors Ariel’s, making their connection instantly deeper.

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2. The Addition of Queen Selina and a Family Dynamic

Unlike the original, where Eric’s parents were absent, the remake introduces Queen Selina. This addition provides a realistic familial and political context for Eric’s life, giving him a conflict—the pressure of ruling—that he must overcome. His relationship with Queen Selina establishes his independence and his desire to rule with an open mind, which is a key thematic element of the film.

3. The New Power Ballad: "Wild Uncharted Waters"

The most significant update is the inclusion of the new original song, "Wild Uncharted Waters," co-written by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Alan Menken. This is the first time Prince Eric has a solo song in a Disney film. The song is a powerful expression of his inner turmoil and his longing for adventure and a kindred spirit. This musical moment allows the audience to understand his soul and his motivations before he even meets Ariel, making their subsequent connection inevitable.

4. He Is an Active, Not Passive, Romantic Lead

In the original, Eric is largely rescued and then charmed. In the remake, he actively participates in the romance and the final conflict. His sense of adventure is what leads him to the shipwreck, and his curiosity about the silent Ariel drives him to learn about her world, just as she learns about his. He is genuinely interested in her unique perspective and spirit, not just her beauty or her voice. This makes the romance a true partnership of two adventurous souls.

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5. His Yearning Directly Parallels Ariel's

The core of the 2023 film is the thematic parallel between Eric and Ariel. While Ariel, the daughter of King Triton, yearns for the human world, Eric, the Prince of his kingdom, yearns for the sea and the world beyond his borders. They are both outsiders in their own worlds, bound by duty but driven by curiosity and a thirst for discovery. This shared emotional landscape is what makes their bond so strong and why the resolution—where they unite their two worlds—is so satisfying.

"Wild Uncharted Waters": A Deep Dive into Eric's New Anthem

The song "Wild Uncharted Waters" is a masterstroke of character development. Before this, Disney Princes rarely received songs that explored their internal emotional life, often relegated to duets or group numbers. Eric's solo is a soaring, emotional plea that serves several key functions for the narrative and topical authority of the film.

It establishes Eric's identity as a restless soul, a traveler, and a dreamer. The lyrics speak directly to his feeling of being "adrift" and his need to find a purpose that aligns with his adventurous spirit. This moment of vulnerability not only makes him a more sympathetic character but also provides a clear, non-verbal explanation for why he is so drawn to the mysterious, silent girl he rescues. He sees his own yearning reflected in her eyes, even without her voice. The song elevates his character to the same level of emotional complexity as Ariel, solidifying the modern, equal footing of the central relationship in *The Little Mermaid* (2023).

Ultimately, the 2023 version of Prince Eric, portrayed by Jonah Hauer-King, is a triumph of character re-imagining. He is not just a reward for Ariel’s journey; he is a fully developed, motivated, and yearning hero whose own quest for self-discovery perfectly mirrors the heroine’s. This modern interpretation ensures that the classic Disney tale resonates with today's audiences who expect depth and equality in their romantic leads.