The Royal Couple's Future: 5 Things You Need To Know About Ariel And Eric In 2024 And The Little Mermaid 2 Rumors

As of December 2025, the dynamic between Ariel and Prince Eric remains one of the most talked-about elements of Disney's recent live-action wave, particularly as fans eagerly await any official news regarding a potential sequel. The 2023 film, starring Halle Bailey and Jonah Hauer-King, successfully deepened the characters' connection, moving beyond the animated classic's "love at first sight" narrative to create a more grounded and relatable romance. This fresh take, coupled with significant changes to Eric's character, has fueled intense speculation about the royal couple's next chapter and whether Disney will adapt the animated sequel, *The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea*. The current discussion in 2025 revolves heavily around the conflicting reports concerning *The Little Mermaid 2*. While there has been no official green light from Disney, the passionate fan base and the original film’s worldwide box office performance of nearly $570 million keep the sequel conversation alive. The success of the live-action adaptation hinged on the palpable chemistry between its two leads and the creative changes that gave Ariel and Eric independent motivations, making their eventual union feel earned.

The Stars Behind the Royal Couple: Halle Bailey and Jonah Hauer-King's Profiles

The success of the live-action adaptation is inextricably linked to the casting of its lead stars, Halle Bailey and Jonah Hauer-King, whose on-screen chemistry was widely praised by critics and fans alike.

Halle Bailey (Ariel)

• Full Name: Halle Lynn Bailey
• Born: March 27, 2000 (currently 25 years old)
• Birthplace: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
• Career Highlights: Primarily known as one half of the R&B duo Chloe x Halle, alongside her sister Chloe Bailey.
• Major Roles: Ariel in *The Little Mermaid* (2023), Sky Forster in the TV sitcom *Grown-ish* (2018–2022).
• Impact: Her casting as Ariel sparked a global conversation about representation, and her performance was lauded for its sincerity and vocal talent.

Jonah Hauer-King (Prince Eric)

• Full Name: Jonah Andre Hauer-King
• Born: May 30, 1995 (currently 30 years old)
• Birthplace: London, England, UK
• Career Highlights: British actor with dual UK and US citizenship, and a graduate of Eton College and Cambridge University.
• Major Roles: Prince Eric in *The Little Mermaid* (2023), Laurie Laurence in the BBC mini-series *Little Women* (2017), and Lucas Riley in *A Dog's Way Home* (2019).
• Sequel Interest: Hauer-King has publicly expressed interest in reprising his role as Prince Eric for a potential sequel, even joking about growing a beard to age himself up for the role.

A Deeper Dive: How the Live-Action Film Rewrote Ariel and Eric's Dynamic

The 2023 live-action adaptation was not a shot-for-shot remake; it introduced crucial creative changes that significantly enhanced the relationship between Ariel and Eric. These changes addressed long-standing criticisms of the original story, particularly the notion that Ariel gave up everything for a man she barely knew. The live-action version established that both characters shared a core trait: a profound curiosity and desire to explore a world beyond their own restrictive royal duties. Ariel longs for the human world, while Eric, an adopted prince, yearns to sail to distant lands and understand the people outside his island kingdom.

Prince Eric's New Backstory

One of the most impactful changes was the expansion of Prince Eric's backstory. In the live-action film, Eric is revealed to be an adopted prince, having been orphaned after his real parents were lost at sea in a shipwreck. This new origin story, which is discussed with his adoptive mother, Queen Selina, and mentor, Sir Grimsby, gives Eric a powerful, personal motivation for his love of the sea and his desire to explore. It creates an immediate, subconscious bond with Ariel, another royal figure who feels like an outsider in her own world. The live-action *Little Mermaid* thus becomes a story of two kindred spirits who find freedom and understanding in each other, rather than a simple princess-rescues-prince tale.

The Active Role of Ariel

The film also subtly shifted the power dynamic in their relationship. Ariel is shown to be more active and less naive, with her decision to pursue Eric being framed as part of her larger quest for knowledge and independence. Furthermore, the revised lyrics in songs like "Kiss the Girl" removed some of the original's more passive undertones, emphasizing mutual consent and a deeper connection. This shared sense of adventure and displacement is what truly solidifies the Ariel and Eric relationship, making their eventual marriage a union of two explorers ready to bridge the gap between their two worlds.

The Little Mermaid 2: Analyzing the 2024 Sequel Rumors and the 'Return to the Sea' Plot

The biggest question for fans in late 2024 and 2025 is whether the live-action story will continue. The answer is currently a mixed bag of fan enthusiasm, actor interest, and unconfirmed reports.

The Conflicting Sequel Status

As of the latest updates, Disney has not made any official announcement regarding a live-action *The Little Mermaid 2*. While some fan-made concept trailers have circulated online, official industry reports are conflicting, with some suggesting Disney is not currently moving forward with a sequel due to the film's mixed financial performance compared to its massive budget. However, the worldwide box office total of $569.6 million, while not a runaway success by Disney standards, did generate a profit, and the film's cultural impact remains significant. The expressed interest from Eric actor Jonah Hauer-King keeps the door open, suggesting the creative talent is ready if the studio gives the go-ahead.

Predicting the 'Return to the Sea' Live-Action Plot

If a sequel were to be greenlit, the most likely source material would be the 2000 animated direct-to-video sequel, *The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea*. This film provides a ready-made plot centered on the next generation of the royal family:

• Melody, Ariel and Eric's Daughter: The animated sequel is set over a decade after the original and focuses on Ariel and Eric's daughter, Melody.
• The Anti-Mermaid Conflict: To protect Melody from the sea witch Morgana (Ursula's vengeful sister), Ariel and Eric build a wall around their castle and forbid Melody from entering the ocean, effectively separating her from her Atlantican heritage.
• Melody's Rebellion: Melody, unaware of her mermaid lineage, grows up feeling like an outsider and longs for the sea, mirroring her mother's original quest for the land world. This generational conflict would be a powerful narrative engine for a live-action film.

A live-action adaptation of *Return to the Sea* would allow Halle Bailey and Jonah Hauer-King to explore Ariel and Eric as parents, dealing with the complex reality of raising a child between two worlds. It would also introduce new, compelling entities like the primary antagonist, Morgana, and the central character, Princess Melody, ensuring a fresh and exciting continuation of the story. The current wait for an official announcement only heightens the curiosity surrounding this potential next chapter for the beloved royal couple.