The Little Mermaid 2 (2026) – Disney Live-Action : Return to the Sea (2000) is a direct-to-video animated film and a sequel to Disney’s original The Little Mermaid (1989). It takes place a few years after the events of the first movie and follows the adventures of Melody, the daughter of Ariel and Prince Eric.
The story begins with Melody being born to Ariel and Eric, living happily in their seaside kingdom. However, because of the dangers of the sea, Ariel and Eric decide to keep Melody away from the ocean, hiding the truth about her mermaid heritage from her. Ariel keeps the magical world of the sea a secret, fearing that Melody could be in danger from the sea witches and other creatures.
Despite her parents’ best efforts, Melody becomes curious about the sea. She finds a hidden door that leads to the ocean and discovers that she’s part mermaid. This leads her to meet Morgana, a villainous sea witch who was banished after trying to take Ursula’s place in the first movie. Morgana convinces Melody that her true identity lies in the sea, and she schemes to use Melody to gain control of the ocean.
Ariel and Melody become estranged as Melody becomes more determined to join the sea, and a battle ensues to protect both the land and the sea from Morgana’s evil plot. Ariel, Prince Eric, and their friends (Flounder, Sebastian, and others) must work together to rescue Melody and stop Morgana from taking over the ocean.
The movie focuses on themes of identity, family, and the dangers of temptation. It highlights the conflict between staying true to one’s roots and the allure of exploring the unknown. The emotional heart of the story is the strained relationship between Ariel and Melody, as Ariel tries to protect her daughter from the same dangers she faced when she was a human-turned-mermaid.
Characters:
- Ariel: Now a mother, Ariel is protective of Melody and fears the dangers of the ocean world.
- Prince Eric: Ariel’s supportive husband, who also wants to protect their daughter from the sea.
- Melody: Ariel and Eric’s teenage daughter, who longs to discover her mermaid heritage.
- Morgana: The villainous sea witch, trying to control the oceans and use Melody for her own gain.
- Flounder, Sebastian, and other familiar characters: Return to help Ariel and her family in the adventure.
Overall, The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea is a family-friendly film with vibrant animation and songs, though it lacks the same critical acclaim and cultural impact as the original. It serves as a fun follow-up for fans of the first movie, offering an exploration of the next generation of characters in the beloved underwater world.
