Emma Roberts Gets Emotional Over ‘Aquamarine’ TV Reboot

Emma Roberts shared that reading the pilot script for the upcoming Aquamarine TV reboot left her teary-eyed as she prepares to reprise her beloved role.

Emma Roberts Returns to the World of Aquamarine

July 16, 2026 – Emma Roberts is ready to dive back into one of the most beloved projects of her career. Nearly two decades after Aquamarine first captured audiences with its heartfelt story of friendship and fantasy, the actress has revealed that returning to the franchise has already become an emotional experience.

Speaking about the upcoming Disney+ spinoff series, Roberts shared that reading the pilot script left her unexpectedly emotional. The actress admitted she became “teary-eyed” while revisiting the world that helped shape the early years of her acting career, describing her reaction as something she hadn’t anticipated.

Credit: Vince Valitutti/Fox

An Emotional Reaction to the Script

Roberts explained that bringing Claire back as an adult has been especially meaningful. She recalled reading the pilot for the first time and immediately feeling overwhelmed by the story, saying she “literally got choked up” because of the emotional connection she still has with the character.

The actress noted that she never expected such a powerful response after so many years. However, returning to the fictional coastal town and revisiting Claire’s journey reminded her just how significant Aquamarine has remained for both the cast and its devoted fanbase.

A Beloved Film Gets a New Chapter

Originally released in 2006, Aquamarine starred Emma Roberts as Claire alongside JoJo Levesque’s Hailey and Sara Paxton as the adventurous mermaid Aquamarine. Although the film achieved modest box office success upon release, it steadily developed a loyal following that has only continued to grow over the years.

The upcoming television adaptation has received a pilot order from Disney+ and Disney Channel, introducing a fresh generation to the fantasy universe while continuing the story of Claire as an adult. Original film director Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum is returning to direct and executive produce the project, with Roberts also serving as an executive producer.

Will the Original Cast Return?

While Roberts has officially confirmed her involvement, the participation of original stars Sara Paxton and JoJo Levesque has yet to be announced. Levesque has shared that preliminary conversations have taken place and expressed enthusiasm about potentially returning if the story provides the right opportunity.

Fans have long hoped for a reunion of the original trio, making any future casting announcements one of the most anticipated aspects of the upcoming series. Even without official confirmation, excitement continues to build among audiences who grew up watching the film.

Credit: Vince Valitutti/Fox

Why Aquamarine Still Resonates

Reflecting on the film’s lasting popularity, Roberts described Aquamarine as “lightning in a bottle.” She credited the chemistry between the cast and the film’s emphasis on female friendship as key reasons it continues to connect with audiences nearly 20 years after its release.

Social media platforms have introduced the movie to younger viewers, with clips regularly resurfacing online and helping establish the film as a modern cult favorite. Roberts said seeing fans continue to celebrate the movie has made returning to the franchise even more meaningful.

Balancing Nostalgia With a Fresh Story

One of the biggest challenges facing any revival is honoring the original while creating something that feels new. According to Roberts, the creative team understands the importance of preserving the heart of Aquamarine while introducing a story that resonates with today’s audiences.

Rather than simply recreating familiar moments, the series aims to build on the original film’s themes of friendship, self-discovery, and growing up. By following Claire later in life, the reboot has the opportunity to explore how those experiences continue to shape her as an adult while welcoming a new generation of viewers.

Fans Are Ready to Return to the Beach

Since news of the reboot first emerged, longtime fans have shared their excitement across social media. Many viewers who grew up watching Aquamarine have expressed enthusiasm about revisiting one of their favorite childhood films, while others are eager to see how the beloved story evolves in a television format.

The announcement has also sparked renewed interest in the original 2006 movie, with fans revisiting memorable scenes and celebrating the enduring friendship between Claire, Hailey, and Aquamarine. That continued affection has helped fuel anticipation for the upcoming series.

What Comes Next for the Series

Although the project remains in development, Roberts’ enthusiastic response to the script has only heightened expectations for the reboot. With familiar creative talent returning behind the scenes and the possibility of additional original cast members joining the project, the series is shaping up to be one of Disney+’s most anticipated upcoming releases.

As production continues, fans will be watching closely for casting updates, story details, and a potential premiere date. Until then, Roberts’ emotional reaction has offered an encouraging glimpse into the passion driving the revival.

Final Thoughts

Emma Roberts’ heartfelt response to the Aquamarine TV reboot script demonstrates just how meaningful the franchise remains nearly two decades after the original film’s release. Her excitement about returning as Claire reflects both her personal connection to the story and the lasting impact the movie has had on generations of fans.

As the Disney+ series continues moving forward, audiences have plenty to look forward to. By combining nostalgic elements with a fresh storyline, the reboot has the potential to introduce Aquamarine to new viewers while giving longtime fans another memorable chapter in a beloved coming-of-age fantasy.

FAQs

What did Emma Roberts say about the Aquamarine reboot?

Emma Roberts revealed that reading the pilot script made her “teary-eyed” and emotionally connected to returning as Claire.

Is Emma Roberts returning for the Aquamarine TV series?

Yes. Roberts is set to reprise her role as Claire and will also serve as an executive producer.

Will the original Aquamarine cast return?

Emma Roberts is confirmed to return, while the involvement of Sara Paxton and JoJo Levesque has not yet been officially announced.

Where will the Aquamarine reboot stream?

The upcoming Aquamarine television reboot is being developed for Disney+ and Disney Channel.