Emma Roberts Returns for Aquamarine TV Series

Nearly 20 years after Aquamarine debuted, Emma Roberts is returning to the beloved franchise as Claire Brown in Disney’s new television adaptation while also stepping behind the scenes as an executive producer.

Emma Roberts Heads Back to the World of Aquamarine

June 26, 2026: Emma Roberts is officially returning to one of the roles that helped launch her career. Nearly two decades after starring in the 2006 coming-of-age fantasy film Aquamarine, Roberts is set to reprise her role as Claire Brown in a new television adaptation currently being developed for Disney Channel and Disney+. She will also serve as an executive producer on the project, marking a significant milestone in the franchise’s return.

The announcement has generated excitement among longtime fans who have hoped to revisit the magical world of Aquamarine. While the upcoming series introduces a new generation of characters, Roberts’ involvement creates a direct connection to the original film and offers a nostalgic bridge between the two stories.

Image Credit: Disney+

Disney Reimagines a Beloved Coming-of-Age Story

Rather than producing a direct remake, Disney is developing the project as a continuation of the Aquamarine universe.

According to the official logline, the series follows a teenager named Coral, who moves to a picturesque seaside town and gradually discovers that her missing mother was a mermaid. As Coral uncovers long-hidden family secrets, she also begins awakening magical abilities of her own, setting the stage for a fresh fantasy adventure inspired by Alice Hoffman’s original novel.

Sarah Watson, creator of The Bold Type, is writing the pilot and executive producing the series. Original Aquamarine director Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum is also returning to direct the pilot and executive produce, alongside original producer Susan Cartsonis. Their involvement signals Disney’s commitment to preserving the spirit of the original while expanding its mythology for a new audience.

Emma Roberts Takes on a New Role Behind the Camera

While Emma Roberts will appear on screen as Claire Brown, her responsibilities extend beyond acting.

The actress has joined the project as an executive producer, reflecting the evolution of her career over the past two decades. In recent years, Roberts has increasingly pursued producing through her company Belletrist TV, developing television projects alongside her acting work. Returning to Aquamarine in both creative and acting capacities allows her to help shape the next chapter of a franchise that remains meaningful to many fans.

Roberts previously expressed interest in revisiting Aquamarine, noting that the film had experienced renewed popularity among younger audiences through TikTok and streaming platforms. Her return suggests that those conversations may have helped pave the way for the new series.

How Aquamarine Became a Cult Favorite

When Aquamarine premiered in 2006, it introduced audiences to best friends Claire and Hailey, played by Emma Roberts and JoJo, whose summer changed forever after discovering a mermaid named Aquamarine, portrayed by Sara Paxton.

Although the film received mixed reviews upon release, it gradually earned cult-classic status thanks to its heartfelt story, colorful coastal setting, and themes of friendship, growing up, and believing in the impossible. Over the years, Aquamarine has remained especially popular with audiences who grew up watching Disney and early-2000s teen films.

Its continued success on streaming services and social media has helped introduce the movie to a new generation, making the timing of the television adaptation particularly fitting.

Image Credit: Disney+

Fans Celebrate Emma Roberts’ Return to Aquamarine

News of the television adaptation quickly spread across social media, where longtime fans shared their excitement about revisiting the Aquamarine universe.

Many viewers who grew up watching the 2006 film described the announcement as a nostalgic full-circle moment. Others praised Disney’s decision to bring Emma Roberts back instead of completely rebooting the franchise, saying her involvement helps preserve a meaningful connection to the original story.

Across TikTok, X, Instagram, and Reddit, fans also expressed curiosity about how Claire Brown’s character has evolved over the past two decades. Many hope the series will include additional callbacks to the original film while introducing fresh storylines for a new generation of viewers.

The overwhelmingly positive reaction demonstrates the lasting popularity of Aquamarine and its continued appeal among audiences of different ages.

What Has Been Confirmed About the Aquamarine Series?

Several important details about the project have already been officially confirmed.

Emma Roberts will reprise her role as Claire Brown while also serving as an executive producer on the series. Disney has ordered a pilot for the project, which is being developed for Disney Channel and Disney+.

The story will center on a new protagonist named Coral, whose discovery that her missing mother was a mermaid sets her on a magical coming-of-age journey. Original Aquamarine director Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum and producer Susan Cartsonis have also returned, while Sarah Watson is writing the pilot and executive producing the project.

At this stage, Disney has not announced a premiere date or confirmed additional casting beyond the creative team and Roberts’ involvement. Likewise, there has been no official confirmation regarding whether other original cast members will return.

Why Aquamarine’s Return Is Generating So Much Buzz

The revival arrives during a period when studios continue revisiting beloved early-2000s films for new audiences.

Unlike a traditional remake, the Aquamarine television series expands the existing universe while allowing original fans to reconnect with familiar characters. Emma Roberts’ dual role as both actress and executive producer further distinguishes the project, demonstrating her continued investment in the franchise that helped shape her early career.

The announcement also reflects the enduring popularity of fantasy coming-of-age stories that combine friendship, family, and magic. As streaming platforms continue introducing classic films to younger viewers, Aquamarine has found renewed relevance, making its return especially timely.

With the pilot now in development, anticipation is likely to grow as Disney reveals more details about the cast, production, and eventual release.

Final Thoughts

Emma Roberts’ return to Aquamarine marks a nostalgic milestone nearly 20 years after the original film first captured audiences’ imaginations. By reprising her role as Claire Brown while helping guide the project as an executive producer, Roberts is bridging the gap between the beloved movie and a new generation of viewers.

Although many details about the series remain under wraps, the confirmed creative team and fresh storyline suggest Disney is aiming to honor the original while introducing a new magical adventure. For longtime fans, the return of Aquamarine promises both nostalgia and an exciting new chapter.

FAQs

Why is Emma Roberts trending?
Emma Roberts is trending after confirming her return as Claire Brown in Disney’s upcoming Aquamarine television series.

Is Emma Roberts returning for Aquamarine?
Yes. Emma Roberts will reprise her role as Claire Brown and will also serve as an executive producer on the new series.

Is the Aquamarine series a remake?
No. The project is being developed as a continuation of the Aquamarine universe rather than a direct remake of the 2006 film.

What is the new Aquamarine series about?
The series follows a teenager named Coral, who discovers that her missing mother was a mermaid and begins uncovering magical secrets about her own family.

Will the original Aquamarine cast return?
Emma Roberts’ return has been confirmed. As of June 2026, Disney has not announced whether other original cast members will appear.

When will the Aquamarine TV series be released?
A pilot has been ordered, but Disney has not yet announced an official premiere date.