Disney+ Orders 'Aquamarine' Series Pilot, Emma Roberts to Appear
A television adaptation of the 2006 motion picture “Aquamarine” has received a pilot order from Disney+ and Disney Channel. The original film's lead actress, Emma Roberts, is set to make a guest appearance as Claire Brown in the pilot and will also serve as an executive producer. The project is being developed by writer Sarah Watson, known for her work on “The Bold Type,” with Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum, who directed the original movie, slated to direct and executive produce. Susan Cartsonis, a producer of the original film, is also returning as an executive producer. The new series aims to reinterpret the beloved story for a new generation.
The narrative of the pilot centers on Coral, a young woman who relocates to an idyllic seaside community. There, she embarks on a quest to uncover the mystery surrounding her mother's vanishing act, only to learn that her mother was a mermaid. This revelation awakens dormant magical powers within Coral, just as ancient secrets from the ocean depths begin to surface, adding layers of enchantment and peril to her journey. The original film, which also featured Joanna “JoJo” Levesque, Sara Paxton, Jake McDorman, and Arielle Kebbel, followed two best friends assisting a mermaid in her search for true love. Despite initial mixed reviews, the film has garnered a dedicated following over the years.
Since her role in “Aquamarine,” Emma Roberts has built a notable career, starring in films such as “We’re the Millers” and “Palo Alto,” and is recognized for her frequent collaborations with Ryan Murphy in television projects like “American Horror Story” and “Scream Queens.” Sarah Watson, the show's writer, previously helmed the successful Freeform series “The Bold Type” and has contributed to Disney+’s “Percy Jackson and the Olympians.” Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum, in addition to directing “Aquamarine,” has directed episodes for various popular series, including “Gossip Girl” and “The Vampire Diaries.” This series marks another instance of Disney adapting its classic film properties for television, following similar pilot orders for “Holes” and “Witch Mountain,” reflecting a strategic move to expand its content library with familiar and cherished stories.
The decision to revisit and reimagine cherished stories for contemporary audiences underscores the enduring appeal of timeless tales. By blending nostalgia with fresh narratives, platforms like Disney+ offer new generations the opportunity to connect with characters and themes that have resonated for years, while also providing a sense of continuity for long-time fans. This approach not only breathes new life into classic properties but also reinforces the powerful role of storytelling in bringing people together and inspiring imagination across different eras.
