‘Aquamarine’ TV Series Moves Forward at Disney+ with Kenzi Richardson as Coral

Disney has been revisiting its collection of early-2000s teen classics, and one beloved mermaid tale is making a significant return to the screen. What began as a modest pilot order in June has now evolved into a full series for fans of the original film.

‘Aquamarine‘ first premiered in 2006 as a teen fantasy romantic comedy featuring Emma Roberts, Joanna “JoJo” Levesque, and Sara Paxton, inspired by Alice Hoffman’s novel. While the film didn’t achieve major box office success initially, it has since garnered a loyal cult following, especially among Generation Z viewers who discovered it through streaming platforms and nostalgic online culture.

This cult status has now led to a full series adaptation officially progressing at Disney+, following the pilot announcement earlier this summer. The new show focuses on a teenager named Coral, who relocates to a picturesque seaside town and begins to uncover the mystery surrounding her mother’s disappearance, ultimately discovering that her mother was a mermaid, which awakens magical abilities within Coral herself.

Rising Disney Channel star Kenzi Richardson has been cast in the lead role of Coral, marking her latest significant project after starring in ‘Vampirina: Teenage Vampire.’ Richardson, who moved to Los Angeles in 2025 to pursue a career in acting and singing, has quickly become one of the network’s prominent young talents, and taking on a legacy property like ‘Aquamarine’ marks an important new chapter in her career.

Jake McDorman, who played lifeguard Raymond in the 2006 film, is returning as a series regular instead of just a guest star. This creative decision positions Raymond as a more integral part of Coral’s story rather than merely serving as fan service.

Emma Roberts is also set to return, albeit in a limited capacity, reprising her role as Claire Brown as a guest star while serving as an executive producer for the series. Roberts expressed her excitement about revisiting a role that played a significant part in launching her career nearly two decades ago.

Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum, who directed the original film, is back to direct and executive produce the series, working from a script by Sarah Watson, known for creating ‘The Bold Type’ and contributing to ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians.’ Original film producer Susan Cartsonis also returns in an executive producing role, ensuring a direct creative connection to the movie that inspired this new adaptation.

The series was previously referred to by the working title “Saltwater” before its link to ‘Aquamarine’ was officially confirmed, and production has already begun, with local casting calls taking place in North Carolina. This level of activity indicates that Disney is treating this adaptation as a genuine priority rather than just a nostalgic venture.

With a new lead in place and much of the original creative team returning, ‘Aquamarine’ is poised to bring its enchanting tale of mermaids, magic, and small-town secrets to a new generation of Disney+ viewers.

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