Disney is testing out another new project tied to Disney Channel nostalgia. An Aquamarine Disney+ pilot is in development, with Emma Roberts attached as an executive producer and guest star. The project is expected to expand the world of Aquamarine rather than retell the events of the 2006 movie.
The original Aquamarine film was released in 2006 and was directed by Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum. The movie starred Sara Paxton as Aquamarine, a mermaid who arrives in a coastal town after a storm. Emma Roberts played Claire Brown, while JoJo Levesque portrayed Hailey Rogers. The story followed two teenage friends who help Aquamarine search for evidence of true love and win the heart of the local lifeguard, while protecting her identity.
A summary of the upcoming pilot reveals its continuation of the story: “When teenaged Coral moves to a dreamy seaside town, she begins unraveling the truth behind her mother’s disappearance—and discovers her mother was a mermaid, awakening magical powers in Coral just as secrets beneath the waves threaten to surface.”
Background on the Original ‘Aquamarine’ Film
Released in 2006, Aquamarine was based on the 2001 young adult novel of the same name by Alice Hoffman. The film combined fantasy elements with a coming-of-age story focused on friendship and self-discovery. It followed Claire and Hailey as they encounter Aquamarine and become involved in her search to understand human relationships.
The movie was produced as a family fantasy comedy and featured a cast that included Jake McDorman, Arielle Kebbel, and Bruce Spence alongside Paxton, Roberts, and Levesque. Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum directed the film, which marked one of her early feature directing projects.
The release of Aquamarine came nearly two decades before the development of the Disney+ pilot. The original movie has continued to be available through digital platforms, including Disney+ in some regions, allowing new audiences to discover the story.
Emma Roberts’ Connection to the Franchise
Emma Roberts’ involvement provides a direct link between the new pilot and the original film. In the 2006 movie, Roberts portrayed Claire Brown, one of the two teenagers who discover Aquamarine. The new project will mark her return to the property in a different role as an executive producer and guest star.
Emma Roberts in Scream Queens – YouTube, Clevver News
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Since appearing in Aquamarine, Roberts has worked across film and television as an actor and producer. Her television credits include roles in projects such as American Horror Story and Scream Queens, which helped establish her presence in the horror and dark comedy genres.
She has also appeared in films across several genres, including the comedy-drama It’s Kind of a Funny Story (2010), the thriller Nerve (2016), and the horror films The Blackcoat’s Daughter (2015) and Scream 4 (2011).
In recent years, Roberts has continued to take on both acting and producing roles, including work on television projects such as Tell Me Lies.
Creative Team Behind the Disney+ Pilot
Sarah Watson is attached to write and executive produce the Aquamarine pilot. Watson is known for creating the television series The Bold Type. Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum, who directed the 2006 film, is also attached to direct and executive produce the pilot. Susan Cartsonis, who produced the original movie, will return as an executive producer.
Screenshot from the 2006 films Aquamarine – YouTube, Disney Plus UK
The creative team includes several people with connections to the original film while developing a new approach for television.
What a Pilot Order Means
A pilot does not guarantee that a full television series will be produced. Networks and streaming services often use pilot episodes to evaluate a project’s story, cast, and production plans before deciding whether to order additional episodes.
For a project such as the Aquamarine Disney+ pilot, development can involve several stages before a potential series launch. These stages may include production of the pilot, internal reviews, and decisions about future episodes. Disney+ has not announced a release date, additional casting information, or confirmation of a full season order.
The upcoming Aquamarine TV adaptation draws from the same concept as the original movie while introducing new characters and story elements. Further information about the project may be announced as development continues.
Are you hoping the Aquarmarine pilot gets its own series? Or is this another washed up reboot? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below
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