Hold on to your fins, folks! Disney has just announced an exciting new addition to its animated series lineup: “Disney Junior’s Ariel”. This fresh take on the beloved classic, “The Little Mermaid”, is designed with preschoolers in mind and is set to debut on Disney platforms worldwide in 2024.
The series will dive into the adventures of a young Ariel, and here’s the best part – our favorite characters from the original story, including King Triton, Ursula, Sebastian, and Flounder, are all set to return. Plus, we’ll also get to meet some exciting new characters.
The announcement was made by Ayo Davis, president of Disney Branded Television, during the Annecy International Film Festival in Annecy, France. Davis expressed her joy at being able to introduce this new version of Ariel to preschoolers around the globe.
Set in the enchanting Caribbean-inspired underwater kingdom of Atlantica, the series will follow Ariel as she embarks on fun-filled, action-packed adventures with her friends. Ariel’s curiosity about the world around her leads her to discover various land treasures, which she collects and keeps safe in her crystal cavern. These treasures often come in handy when Ariel needs to solve problems.
Ariel’s character is full of charm, big ideas, and a powerful voice. Her mermaid tail, which changes colors according to her emotions, lights up and shimmers, reflecting her joy with each new discovery. The series aims to depict Ariel’s journey of self-discovery and her efforts to inspire others with her voice.
The series also aims to celebrate the multicultural diversity of the Caribbean through various elements such as music, food, festivals, fashion, language, and folklore. Dr. Patricia Saunders, a professor of English and hemispheric Caribbean studies at the University of Miami, serves as a cultural consultant on the series. Sean Skeete, chair of Berklee College of Music’s ensemble department, is the Caribbean music consultant.
“Disney Junior’s Ariel” is executive produced by Lynne Southerland, with Norma P. Sepulveda and Keith Wagner serving as story editors. Ezra Edmond is the producer, Kuni Tomita Bowen is the supervising director, and Chrystin Garland is the art director. The series is produced by Wild Canary in association with Disney Junior.
Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting new series that promises to bring a fresh wave of underwater adventures to our screens!
