5 Reasons Why Ariel And Eric’s Love Story Is The Most Modern Disney Romance (and What We Know About The Sequel)
The enduring love story of Ariel and Prince Eric has captivated audiences for decades, but the dynamic has never been more relevant than it is today, following the groundbreaking 2023 live-action adaptation. As of December 2025, the conversation around the charismatic couple—portrayed by the stellar Halle Bailey and Jonah Hauer-King—is less about the classic fairytale and more about their modern, mutually respectful partnership and the potential for a new cinematic chapter.
The latest buzz centers on the possibility of a live-action sequel, which remains unconfirmed but highly anticipated by fans eager to see the next phase of their life together as a royal, bi-world couple. Disney has successfully transformed their romance from a simple "love at first sight" narrative into a complex, deep connection built on shared curiosity and a true meeting of "kindred spirits."
Ariel and Prince Eric: Complete Character Biography & Portrayals
The story of the mermaid princess and the human prince spans two major cinematic eras: the 1989 animated classic and the 2023 live-action remake, each offering a distinct take on the beloved characters.
Ariel (The Little Mermaid)
- Full Name: Ariel
- Title: Princess of Atlantica, later Queen of a Human Kingdom (via marriage)
- Family: King Triton (Father), Queen Athena (Mother, deceased), Six Older Sisters (Attina, Alana, Adella, Aquata, Arista, Andrina)
- Home: Atlantica (Underwater Kingdom) and Prince Eric's seaside castle.
- Animated Voice Actor: Jodi Benson
- Live-Action Actor: Halle Bailey
- Key Trait: Insatiable curiosity, adventurous spirit, and a willingness to sacrifice everything for her dreams.
Prince Eric
- Full Name: Eric
- Title: Prince, later King of a Seaside Kingdom (often referred to as Tirulia in extended canon)
- Family: Guardians (in the 2023 live-action film, his mother is the Queen), Max (Pet Sheepdog)
- Home: A grand seaside castle and port.
- Animated Voice Actor: Christopher Daniel Barnes
- Live-Action Actor: Jonah Hauer-King
- Key Trait: Adventurous, a passionate explorer, deeply empathetic, and a ruler who values his people and the sea.
5 Reasons Why the Modern Ariel and Eric Romance Resonates Today
The 2023 live-action remake, directed by Rob Marshall, made several crucial updates to the classic relationship, making the bond between Ariel and Eric feel earned, believable, and far more progressive. This evolution is why their story continues to be a major topic of discussion in 2025.
1. A Foundation of Mutual Curiosity and Shared Dreams
In the original 1989 film, Ariel’s primary motivation was her desire to be human and to be with Eric. In the 2023 version, their connection is rooted in a shared, profound sense of yearning and adventure.
Prince Eric is introduced as a prince who feels trapped by his royal duties, dreaming of exploring the unknown world beyond his kingdom's shores. Similarly, Ariel is fascinated by the human world, collecting its artifacts (gadgets and gizmos a-plenty) and longing to walk on land. Their bond is cemented not by a kiss, but by the realization that they are both "kindred spirits" who feel like outsiders in their own worlds, seeking something more.
2. Eric's Expanded Role and Character Depth
The live-action remake significantly expanded Prince Eric’s character, transforming him from a charming but somewhat generic prince into a fully realized, three-dimensional explorer and leader.
Jonah Hauer-King's portrayal gives Eric a new song, "Wild Uncharted Waters," which highlights his inner turmoil and desire for freedom. This change makes him Ariel's equal, rather than just the object of her affection. Their relationship becomes a partnership of two explorers encouraging each other to follow their dreams, a narrative that strongly appeals to modern audiences who value equality in romance.
3. The Romance is Built on Friendship, Not Just Attraction
A major critique of the original was the speed of their romance, often seen as problematic due to Ariel’s silence. The 2023 version takes its time, establishing a genuine friendship before any romantic feelings fully bloom.
Even without her voice, Ariel and Eric communicate through shared experiences, showing each other their respective worlds (Ariel shows him her collection, Eric shows her his map room). This focus on non-verbal communication and shared interests makes their eventual kiss feel earned and based on a deeper, intellectual connection, providing a stronger foundation for their future life together.
4. The Acceptance of Two Worlds
The ending of the 2023 film places a much greater emphasis on the union of the two worlds: the surface and the sea.
Unlike the original, where Ariel simply becomes human, the remake shows King Triton accepting Eric and the human world, actively facilitating Ariel's transition by giving her legs permanently. Furthermore, the film ends with Eric and Ariel setting off on a ship to explore the world together, symbolizing their commitment to a life of adventure and bridging the gap between their two kingdoms, Atlantica and the surface world. This powerful image of mutual acceptance and exploration is a key takeaway for the modern family audience.
5. The Legacy: The Hope for Melody’s Story
While not part of the main 2023 film, the legacy of Ariel and Eric includes their daughter, Melody, the protagonist of the 2000 animated sequel, *The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea*.
Melody’s story is a direct reflection of her parents’ journey, but in reverse: she is a human princess who longs to be a mermaid. The existence of Melody, who is half-human and half-mermaid, solidifies Ariel and Eric’s relationship as a successful, enduring bridge between their two cultures. Fans are eagerly awaiting any official announcement regarding a live-action sequel, specifically hoping to see Halle Bailey and Jonah Hauer-King return to portray the parents of the adventurous Melody.
The Latest Buzz: Will We Get a Live-Action Sequel?
The question on every fan's mind in late 2025 is whether Disney will greenlight a sequel to the successful 2023 live-action adaptation. The current status is that there are no official plans for a sequel, but the possibility remains on the table.
Director Rob Marshall has publicly stated that "there's always opportunity" for sequels, suggesting that the door is open for a continuation of Ariel and Eric's story. Given the strong box office performance and the widespread praise for the chemistry between Halle Bailey and Jonah Hauer-King, a sequel would be a logical next step for the studio, potentially adapting the plot of *Return to the Sea* or creating an entirely new story.
The sequel would likely explore the challenges of ruling a kingdom (or two) and raising a child, Melody, who inherits the dual heritage of her mother and father. The narrative potential—exploring themes of environmentalism, cultural integration, and the complexities of a bi-world family—is immense and perfectly suited for a contemporary Disney film. Until an official announcement is made, fans must content themselves with watching the evolution of this beloved couple in the 2023 film, where their relationship is finally given the depth and modernity it deserves.
The enduring appeal of Ariel and Prince Eric lies in their ability to transcend barriers—be they physical (sea vs. land) or social (mermaid vs. human). Their story, particularly in its refreshed 2023 iteration, serves as a powerful testament to the idea that true love is found in shared values, mutual respect, and the courage to explore the "wild uncharted waters" of life together.
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