Discussions about a sequel to Disney’s live-action The Little Mermaid may be stalled for now. However, Walt Disney Studios looks to be scratching its aquatic itch in another way.
We at The DisInsider can exclusively report that Disney is currently working on a live-action series about mermaids.
The series, tentatively titled SALTWATER, is being developed by Disney Branded Television. So far, only a pilot is in the works. Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum (Sneakerella) has been tapped to direct from a script by Sarah Watson (Disney’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians).
Interestingly enough, Rosenbaum also directed the early 2000s film mermaid film Aquamarine, which was distributed by (then) 20th Century Fox. However, at this stage, it seems this is a new, standalone story.
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The plot revolves around a young 15-year-old girl named Coral, who has spent most of her life with her father in Arizona. One summer, she moves to a dreamy seaside town where her mother works and discovers she is a mermaid. Over the course of that summer, Coral grows into her half-mermaid identity “while balancing first love, frenemies, and true friendship.”
A casting description for Coral describes the character as “a thoughtful dreamer with a huge heart, a creative soul, and a charming wit. She’s grounded and relatable even within the heightened, magical world of the show.”
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Friends of the character are named Mia, Vega and August.
Mia is described as “edgy, funny and real.” She becomes Coral’s best best friend after they meet at the beach club in Florida where Mia’s mom is the onsite manager. Mia is smart and practical with a mind for science, but also deeply imaginative and creative. She is an outsider with main-character energy. On the surface she seems completely unbothered by her place in the social hierarchy. This can sometimes be challenging for Coral who deeply wants to fit in…
Vega is described as “observant and perceptive.” She is another character named Paige’s best friend, who understands the social ecosystem of the beach better than anyone. Underneath her composed exterior, there may be flickers of something more: ambition, envy, or even a desire to step out of Paige’s shadow. But she would never let that show. Vega is both enabler and commentator; she amplifies Paige’s influence while offering a sharper, sometimes more cutting perspective on the world around them.
Lastly, the character of August is described as a “sunkissed and likeable guy who first grabs Coral’s attention when she gets to Florida.” Naturally athletic, he is more soulful surfer than competitive spotlight seeker. He possesses depth and emotional intelligence that comes across when you first meet him. He’s a part of a core crew of local teens who spend their summers hanging out at the beach club. August is drawn to the water. In the traditional teen drama twist, August is also drawn to Coral. But their relationship is constantly threatened by the fact that Paige, the queen bee of this particular beach, has had her sights set on him since long before Coral arrived.
Casting directors are looking for an actress aged 14-18 to play each of the characters.
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Filming for the series is set to begin in August. However, even if the pilot is complete, there is no guarantee the show will get a series order. This is sadly, the politics of television.
If it does get the series order, we believe this may be a Disney+ exclusive.
Now, we’ll continue to monitor progress on this series and provide updates as they become available.
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