The Little Mermaid 2 (2026) is an exciting prospect for fans of the classic The Little Mermaid (1989) and its world of underwater adventure, romance, and self-discovery. While The Little Mermaid already has a direct-to-video sequel, The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea (2000), a new sequel in 2026 could explore fresh stories, new characters, and further adventures beneath the sea and beyond. Here’s a speculative look at what The Little Mermaid 2 could be about.

Story:

The 2026 sequel would likely continue to build on the legacy of Ariel, now a mother, and her family, including her daughter, Melody, who was introduced in The Little Mermaid II. This sequel could take Ariel’s role as a mother to a deeper level, as she helps her daughter navigate the complexities of living between two worlds—under the sea and on land.

1. Melody’s Journey:
   • Melody, Ariel and Eric’s daughter, could be the main protagonist of the sequel. She’s grown up surrounded by the best of both worlds, but struggles with her dual identity—part human, part mermaid. Melody might seek to discover more about her mermaid heritage, like her mother did in the original, but this time from her perspective as a child of both the human and underwater kingdoms.
   • The conflict could stem from her longing to explore the ocean, just as Ariel once did. However, this time, Ariel might be protective of her daughter, fearing the dangers of the sea. Melody’s desire to break free and her mother’s fears could create emotional tension, echoing the struggles Ariel faced in the original film.
2. The Return of Old Enemies:
   • The sequel could reintroduce the villainous Ursula or, more likely, her sister Ursula’s legacy, as The Little Mermaid II focused on Ursula’s daughter, Morgana. The 2026 film could bring back the threat of dark magic, as Melody could be targeted by a new villain aiming to control the seas or destroy the peace Ariel and Eric have built for their family.
   • The tension between the two worlds could escalate with new dangers, such as underwater creatures or pirates, further complicating Melody’s journey and Ariel’s protective instincts.
3. Exploring the Human World:
   • Given Melody’s curiosity about the sea, she could venture into the human world more extensively. This could open up exciting new settings, showing how the kingdoms under the sea and above the water interact, perhaps even offering glimpses of new characters, locations, or civilizations in the world beyond the kingdom of Eric and Ariel.
   • Melody could discover more about her father’s world, forming her own identity as she navigates both the human and mermaid realms. This could include dealing with challenges on land—learning to balance her desire to fit into human society while embracing her mermaid heritage.
4. Ariel’s Role as a Mentor:
   • Ariel’s journey in the original movie focused on her finding her voice and her true identity. In The Little Mermaid 2, Ariel could now be the wise mentor to her daughter, guiding her through the difficult task of self-discovery. Ariel would face the difficult task of allowing Melody the freedom she herself once craved, while helping her daughter navigate the dangers of both worlds.
   • The emotional heart of the film could be Ariel’s struggle to balance her protective instincts with the knowledge that her daughter must forge her own path, just as Ariel once did.
5. Themes of Identity and Legacy:
   • A central theme could revolve around identity and legacy. Melody, just as Ariel did, might wrestle with her own sense of self—part human, part mermaid, and never fully belonging to one world. This could speak to broader themes of reconciling conflicting parts of oneself and finding balance between heritage and self-definition.
   • The bond between mother and daughter, and how this generational legacy influences their paths, would provide an emotional throughline. Ariel’s lessons could guide Melody’s growth, but Melody will have to find her own way forward, echoing Ariel’s own story of growth.

Characters:

• Ariel: Now a loving mother and queen of the underwater kingdom, Ariel’s role in this sequel would be one of mentorship and care. Her character would have matured, but she would still have her spirited nature. Ariel’s development could focus on her balancing her past with her present as a mother.
• Melody: The curious and brave daughter of Ariel and Eric. Melody could serve as the main character, exploring both the underwater and human worlds as she discovers who she truly is.
• Eric: Ariel’s supportive husband and father to Melody. Eric could play a more prominent role as the protector and father figure, potentially navigating the differences between the sea and human worlds and supporting Ariel as they both try to guide Melody.
• King Triton: Ariel’s father, who might have a more traditional view on keeping the family safe, especially when it comes to the dangers of the sea. His character could provide wisdom but also conflict, as he may be more conservative about allowing Melody to explore the ocean.
• Ursula’s Legacy / New Villain: Whether it’s Ursula’s return or a new villain trying to take over the seas, the threat of dark magic would continue to be a driving force in the story. A new antagonist could arise, perhaps with ties to Ariel’s past, creating new challenges for Melody and the family.
• Supporting Characters: Old friends such as Flounder, Sebastian, and Scuttle would likely return to support Ariel and Melody. These characters could provide humor and wisdom throughout the story, continuing their roles as loyal companions.

Animation and Visuals:

• The Little Mermaid 2 would likely continue to feature beautiful underwater animation with bright, vibrant scenes that capture the magic of the ocean. Pixar’s animation advancements would bring stunning visual effects to the world of the sea, while also exploring new, fantastical elements of the human world.
• The film would continue the tradition of magical, glowing underwater scenes, but might also introduce new settings, including majestic underwater cities or exciting new parts of the human world that Melody explores.

Music:

• The soundtrack would be a key part of the film, featuring new songs that resonate with the themes of self-discovery, family, and the clash of two worlds. Expect emotional ballads, adventurous songs, and perhaps even a reprise of classic Little Mermaid tracks, like “Part of Your World,” to tie back to Ariel’s journey and connect with the audience.
• The music could complement the storyline’s emotional beats, creating a sense of nostalgia while also introducing fresh, modern melodies.

Tone:

• The Little Mermaid 2 would likely retain the fun and heart of the original film but also delve into more mature themes. It would balance adventure, magic, and family drama, while highlighting the growth and personal evolution of both Ariel and Melody.
• The tone would range from lighthearted and whimsical, with fun underwater adventures, to emotional and thought-provoking, as the characters confront the challenges of identity, legacy, and family.

Overall Expectations:

The Little Mermaid 2 (2026) promises to be a beautiful and emotionally resonant continuation of the beloved Little Mermaid franchise. By focusing on Ariel’s daughter, Melody, the sequel could explore themes of family, identity, and legacy, while also offering an exciting new adventure in the underwater and human worlds. Fans can expect stunning animation, memorable music, and the return of classic characters, all while introducing new elements that will continue the timeless story of Ariel and her family. This sequel would not only honor the original but also explore new emotional and adventurous territory, making it an exciting addition to the Disney legacy.