The beloved 2006 mermaid movie Aquamarine is making a return as a television series on Disney+. The project has moved forward with a pilot order, and the cast lineup is now taking shape. The new show brings back familiar faces while introducing a fresh group of young actors to carry the story forward.
Jake McDorman Returns as Raymond
Jake McDorman, who played the lifeguard Raymond in the original film, is returning as a series regular. Now 40 years old, McDorman reprises his role as the lovable lifeguard who was Aquamarine’s romantic interest in the 2006 movie. In the new series, Raymond is a devoted single father raising his teenage daughter Coral, whom he shares with the missing mermaid Aquamarine. The character is described as struggling to navigate Coral’s growing independence while still mourning the loss of Aquamarine.
McDorman shared his feelings about returning to the role, saying his connection to the character has only grown stronger over the years. “If we’re looking at how my relationship with the role in the movie’s grown since 2005, which is when we shot it, it’s only grown more affectionate and more grateful and more happy to be involved,” he told PEOPLE. The actor is known for his work on television series like Greek and Limitless, along with films such as American Sniper and Bring It On: All or Nothing.
Kenzi Richardson Cast as Coral
Kenzi Richardson, a 14-year-old actress known for starring in Disney Channel’s Vampirina: Teenage Vampire, has been cast as Coral. Coral is the teenage daughter of Raymond and Aquamarine, making her half-mermaid. The character is described as a thoughtful and artistic teenager who discovers her mermaid heritage and must navigate adolescence, identity, and the absence of the mother she never knew.
The series follows Coral after she moves to a dreamy seaside town. She begins investigating the truth behind her mother’s disappearance and uncovers that Aquamarine was a mermaid. This discovery awakens magical powers in Coral just as secrets beneath the waves threaten to surface.
New Cast Members Join the Series
Several fresh faces are joining the Aquamarine TV series as regular cast members. Briella Guiza, who has appeared on shows like Criminal Minds and Matlock, plays Mia. Mia is Coral’s best friend, described as edgy, funny, and fiercely authentic. Her intelligence, creativity, and outsider confidence challenge Coral’s desire to fit in.
Theodore Dalton, a model-turned-actor, portrays August. August is a soulful and likable surfer whose easy charm and emotional depth draw Coral in. Their connection becomes complicated by the social dynamics surrounding the local beach club.
Annika Reese, a Broadway actress, takes on the role of Paige. Paige is the sharp and stylish queen bee of the beach club. While she may seem like a typical mean girl, her character description suggests there is much more beneath her tough exterior.
Emma Roberts Returns as Guest Star
Emma Roberts, who played Claire Brown in the original film, is returning to the Aquamarine world. She will appear as a guest star rather than a series regular. Roberts is also serving as an executive producer on the project.
Roberts expressed her excitement about the new series. “I’m so excited for the new series. I absolutely cannot wait,” she told PEOPLE. She also shared her emotional response to reading the pilot script. “I remember when I read the pilot, I literally got choked up. I didn’t think I would have such an emotional reaction to it, but I definitely got a little teary-eyed,” she said.
Original Director Returns Behind the Scenes
Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum, who directed the original Aquamarine movie, is returning to direct the reboot pilot. She is also executive producing the series alongside Emma Roberts, Jake McDorman, and original producer Susan Cartsonis. This brings a strong connection to the original film’s creative team.
What the Series Is About
The Aquamarine TV series follows Coral, the daughter of Aquamarine and Raymond. When Coral moves to a seaside town, she starts uncovering the truth about her mother’s disappearance. She discovers that her mother was a mermaid, and this revelation awakens magical powers in her. The show blends coming-of-age themes with supernatural elements as Coral navigates her identity, friendships, and family secrets.
The original 2006 film starred Sara Paxton as the mermaid Aquamarine, with Joanna “JoJo” Levesque and Emma Roberts as best friends Hailey and Claire. The movie followed the girls after Aquamarine arrived in their lives following a storm. The new series continues that story by focusing on the next generation.
Related:
Production Status and Availability
Disney+ and Disney Channel ordered a pilot for the Aquamarine series in June 2026. As of now, the project is in the pilot stage, and a full season has not been ordered yet. No premiere date has been announced. The original Aquamarine movie is available to stream on Disney+.
Also Read: Inside the Apple TV+ ‘Cape Fear’ Reboot: Filming Locations in Georgia Revealed
For more entertainment news and updates on upcoming TV series and movie reboots, keep checking VvipTimes for the latest stories from the world of film and television.
Leave a Reply