The Little Mermaid 2: Tides of Power (2026)

Starring: Halle Bailey, Jonah Hauer-King, Javier Bardem, Melissa McCarthy, Awkwafina

In the world of Disney sequels, few have ventured into the kind of transformation we see in The Little Mermaid 2: Tides of Power. This film takes the beloved undersea princess Ariel and propels her into a leadership role that is far beyond the familiar tales of love and adventure from the first movie. Ariel is no longer just a young mermaid discovering the human world; she has evolved into a powerful queen, a symbol of both hope and war, struggling to maintain peace in a rapidly changing world where ancient magic and politics collide. The sequel dives deeper into the stakes of her reign, as she faces unimaginable challenges both under the sea and on land.

Halle Bailey reprises her iconic role as Ariel, bringing a fierce, commanding presence that is both mesmerizing and regal. Her performance as a queen—one who is forced to balance the weight of responsibility with the vulnerability of her humanity—is striking. Bailey’s Ariel is no longer the naïve girl who dreams of the human world; she is a fierce ruler who understands the cost of peace. Her voice, once a symbol of longing and beauty, is now a powerful weapon, a tool of both diplomacy and warfare. The stakes in Tides of Power are astronomical, and Bailey handles this transformation with grace, drawing viewers into her internal struggle between her desire to protect her people and the political forces that threaten her kingdom.

Jonah Hauer-King returns as Prince Eric, and the chemistry between him and Ariel is undeniable. Their bond, which was once centered on love and discovery, is now tested by the pressures of leadership and the looming threats that hang over their reign. Hauer-King’s portrayal of Eric has matured, with his character evolving from a romantic partner into a steadfast ally who must grapple with the complexities of ruling and his own sense of duty. While the romantic tension between Ariel and Eric remains, it is now underpinned by deeper themes of partnership, loyalty, and shared responsibility. As the political landscape grows more dangerous, their relationship becomes both a strength and a vulnerability, forcing them to navigate their love amidst the chaos.

Javier Bardem takes on the role of the antagonist in Tides of Power, and his presence as King Triton is both commanding and chilling. Bardem’s portrayal of the once benevolent king adds an edge to the character that was not present in the original film. Triton’s obsession with preserving the old ways of the ocean clashes with Ariel’s more progressive and unifying approach. Bardem plays Triton with a depth of character that blends power and insecurity, making him a formidable presence in the narrative. His character’s arc explores the tension between tradition and change, as well as the lengths one will go to preserve what they believe is right. His villainous turn is nuanced, far from one-dimensional, and serves as the perfect foil to Ariel’s evolving leadership.

However, The Little Mermaid 2: Tides of Power would not be the same without the lighter moments that Melissa McCarthy brings to the film. Her portrayal of Ursula’s sister, Morgana, is a delightfully complex character who blends humor with menace. Morgana’s antics provide the perfect contrast to the film’s heavier themes, offering moments of levity without detracting from the film’s intensity. McCarthy’s comedic timing, paired with her ability to deliver more menacing moments with a wink, creates a perfect balance in the film. Morgana’s role as a schemer adds an extra layer of intrigue, and her rivalry with Ariel offers a compelling narrative thread throughout the film.

The film’s magic isn’t confined solely to its characters; the world-building is expansive and immersive. The underwater world of Atlantica is more vivid and dynamic than ever, with magical landscapes that evoke both awe and fear. The filmmakers have taken full advantage of the latest visual effects technology to bring the ocean to life in a way that feels both real and fantastical. From the glowing coral reefs to the dark, mysterious trenches of the deep ocean, the visuals create an atmosphere that is simultaneously breathtaking and terrifying. The underwater combat sequences, in particular, are a visual spectacle, pushing the boundaries of what animated films can achieve in terms of action and drama.

One of the film’s standout moments comes in a scene where Ariel must navigate a treacherous political negotiation with the human world. The scene is intense and filled with dramatic tension, showcasing the emotional weight of Ariel’s role as both a queen and a symbol of peace. The dialogue is sharp and filled with the kind of diplomatic maneuvering that might not be expected in a Disney film, yet it is executed with finesse, offering a glimpse into the complexity of leadership. Ariel’s voice, once used for song and expression, now carries the weight of her decisions, and Bailey’s vocal performance during these moments is filled with the gravity of her character’s evolution.

As the film progresses, Ariel’s journey from princess to queen becomes a metaphor for leadership itself—her transformation is not just physical, but deeply emotional. The political tensions rise, and the looming presence of dark magic threatens to engulf everything Ariel holds dear. The central conflict of Tides of Power revolves around Ariel’s fight to unite the oceans and the land before the forces of darkness overtake both. This battle is not just a physical one; it’s a fight for the survival of both worlds. Ariel’s struggle is not only with the external forces that threaten her kingdom, but with her own identity as a leader. She must reconcile her desire for peace with the brutal reality of war and diplomacy.

The film’s action sequences are exhilarating, with breathtaking underwater combat that is both thrilling and emotionally charged. From underwater duels to high-stakes political intrigue, the film keeps the tension high from start to finish. There’s a visceral intensity to the film’s action, heightened by the stakes of the narrative and the emotional weight behind each fight. The battle scenes are not just spectacles; they are personal, reflecting the characters’ internal struggles as much as their external ones. Ariel’s transformation into a queen is tested in every arena, and the film’s pacing never lets up, pulling viewers into a world where survival is not guaranteed, and the consequences of failure are dire.

The soundtrack, which is integral to the Little Mermaid legacy, continues to play a pivotal role in Tides of Power. The music, a blend of soaring ballads and intense action themes, mirrors the film’s tone, amplifying its emotional resonance. The score is lush and dramatic, enhancing the grandeur of the ocean world and the tension of Ariel’s political journey. Each musical number is carefully crafted to reflect the thematic elements of the film, making the music an essential character in its own right.

The Little Mermaid 2: Tides of Power is a sequel that takes risks and succeeds in every way. It challenges its characters in ways that were unimaginable in the first film, pushing them to new emotional depths. Ariel’s evolution from a curious, adventurous princess to a commanding, complex queen is a journey worth witnessing, and Halle Bailey brings the character to life with remarkable strength and vulnerability. The film’s exploration of leadership, power, and sacrifice adds depth to a story that could have easily relied solely on spectacle. Instead, Tides of Power balances its breathtaking visuals with a story that is rich in themes of family, legacy, and the price of progress.

In the end, The Little Mermaid 2: Tides of Power is a triumph of storytelling and spectacle. It takes everything that made the original film magical and elevates it, creating a sequel that feels both familiar and refreshingly new. Ariel’s journey is one of growth, both as a ruler and as a person, and the film’s exploration of her internal and external battles is compelling. With its stunning visuals, powerful performances, and intense action, Tides of Power is a sequel that does justice to its predecessor, and then some. It is a worthy continuation of Ariel’s story and a shining example of what a great sequel can achieve.

Verdict: 9.5/10 – A visually stunning and emotionally gripping sequel that pushes the boundaries of the original. Ariel’s journey from princess to queen is beautifully portrayed, and the film’s intensity will leave you at the edge of your seat. Tides of Power is a triumph of storytelling and spectacle.