Disney’s live-action The Little Mermaid (2023) left many fans underwhelmed, but a wild new rumor suggests the studio is diving back under the sea with a bold, irreverent take in 2026—and this time, Danny DeVito is allegedly leading the charge as a sharp-tongued Ariel. According to a teaser trailer description shared on YouTube by Hot Mics with Billy Bush on April 4, 2025, this new adaptation promises to flip the classic fairy tale on its head, trading the dreamy romance of the original for a gritty, comedic rebellion featuring DeVito’s signature wit. With the 2023 remake criticized for its lackluster visuals and inability to capture the magic of the 1989 animated classic, could this rumored 2026 version be Disney’s chance to redeem itself? Let’s dive into the rumors, the potential, and why this might just be the Little Mermaid we’ve been waiting for.
The 2023 Little Mermaid: A Disappointing Splash
Disney’s 2023 live-action The Little Mermaid, directed by Rob Marshall, was a highly anticipated adaptation of the 1989 animated classic, starring Halle Bailey as Ariel, Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric, and Melissa McCarthy as Ursula. Despite Bailey’s praised vocal performance and the inclusion of new songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the film failed to resonate with audiences. It grossed $569.6 million worldwide against a $250 million budget, a modest success compared to other Disney live-action remakes like Aladdin (2019) and The Lion King (2019), which crossed the billion-dollar mark. Critics noted the film’s “lifeless” visuals and lack of color, with some fans on platforms like Reddit’s r/TwoBestFriendsPlay lamenting that it didn’t capture the vibrant magic of the original. The teaser trailer for the 2023 film received over a million dislikes on YouTube, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with its aesthetic and direction.
Beyond its visual shortcomings, the 2023 remake faced backlash for its handling of key elements. Fans criticized the CGI for the underwater scenes, describing characters like Flounder (voiced by Jacob Tremblay) and Scuttle (voiced by Awkwafina) as “soulless” compared to their animated counterparts. The new songs, including “The Scuttlebutt,” were deemed forgettable, and some felt the film’s attempt to modernize Ariel’s story—such as altering lyrics in “Kiss the Girl” to address consent concerns—lacked the charm of the original. Disney’s attempt to appeal to a modern audience fell flat, leaving many fans longing for a version that could truly honor the spirit of the classic while offering something fresh.
A Bold New Vision: Danny DeVito as Ariel in 2026?
Enter the rumored 2026 remake, which promises to be a game-changer. According to a teaser description shared on YouTube by Hot Mics with Billy Bush, The Little Mermaid starring Danny DeVito (2026) reimagines Ariel as a “sharp-tongued mermaid” who “ditches fins for a shot at Royal Tinder in the most unexpected fairy-tale twist.” This version of Ariel, portrayed by the 80-year-old comedy legend Danny DeVito, is a far cry from the wide-eyed dreamer of the 1989 and 2023 films. Instead, DeVito’s Ariel is a no-nonsense rebel, fending off “crustacean life-coaches” and “debt-collecting sea witches” with witty comebacks and shady deals. The teaser promises a “frothy swirl of undersea rebellion,” swapping the iconic ballad “Part of Your World” for a chaotic, humorous take on the mermaid’s journey.
Danny DeVito, known for his roles in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and as Phil in Disney’s Hercules (1997), brings a unique energy to the table. His gravelly voice and comedic timing could transform Ariel into a street-smart, unapologetic character who navigates the human world with a cynical edge—imagine Ariel swiping through “Royal Tinder” while cracking one-liners about her underwater woes. DeVito’s history with Disney, including his rumored return as Phil in the upcoming live-action Hercules, suggests the studio is eager to leverage his comedic talent to revitalize their live-action slate. A Reddit post on r/Asmongold from April 6, 2025, further fueled speculation, with users buzzing about the teaser’s unconventional approach, one calling it “both holy and unholy at the same time.”
Why This Could Outshine the 2023 Remake
The 2023 Little Mermaid played it safe, aiming to replicate the original’s structure while updating it for modern sensibilities—a strategy that left it feeling uninspired. In contrast, the rumored 2026 version appears to embrace a radical departure, leaning into satire and absurdity to create a fresh narrative. By casting DeVito as Ariel, Disney could be signaling a willingness to take risks, prioritizing creativity over nostalgia. This approach could resonate with audiences who felt the 2023 film lacked originality, offering a version of The Little Mermaid that feels like a true reimagining rather than a rehash.
DeVito’s involvement also taps into a growing trend of using comedic talent to subvert classic Disney stories. For example, Will Smith’s Genie in Aladdin (2019) brought a modern flair to the role, even if it couldn’t fully escape Robin Williams’ shadow. DeVito, with his knack for playing lovable yet chaotic characters, could bring a similar energy to Ariel, turning her journey into a hilarious critique of fairy-tale tropes. The teaser’s mention of “Royal Tinder” suggests a satirical take on modern romance, potentially poking fun at the idea of a mermaid seeking love in a digital age—a concept that could appeal to younger audiences while offering a sharp contrast to the 2023 film’s earnest tone.
Moreover, DeVito’s Ariel could address some of the criticisms leveled at the 2023 remake’s visuals. Fans on Reddit noted that the underwater scenes in 2023 lacked vibrancy, with muted colors that failed to capture the magic of the animated classic. A comedic, self-aware take in 2026 might not need to rely on hyper-realistic CGI, instead using stylized visuals to match its irreverent tone. Imagine a neon-lit underwater world where Sebastian (perhaps reimagined as a gruff debt collector) and Ursula (a shady businesswoman) clash with DeVito’s Ariel in a series of over-the-top, laugh-out-loud confrontations. This approach could breathe new life into the story, making it a visual and narrative standout compared to its predecessor.
Challenges and Potential Pitfalls
Of course, this rumored remake isn’t without risks. DeVito’s casting as Ariel, while intriguing, could alienate fans who prefer a more traditional take on the character. The 2023 film already faced backlash for casting Halle Bailey, with some arguing that Ariel’s race deviated from the original story—a controversy that could resurface with DeVito’s unconventional portrayal. Additionally, the satirical tone might not resonate with younger audiences who associate The Little Mermaid with heartfelt songs and a romantic storyline. Disney will need to balance humor with heart to avoid turning the film into a parody that feels disconnected from the source material.
There’s also the question of whether this is an official Disney project. The teaser description lacks confirmation from the studio, and some speculate it could be a fan-made concept or a satirical pitch rather than a real film. However, DeVito’s history with Disney and the studio’s recent struggles with live-action remakes—like the politically charged Snow White (2025)—suggest they might be open to a bold, comedic pivot to win back audiences.
A Chance for Redemption?
If the rumors are true, The Little Mermaid (2026) could be Disney’s chance to redeem its live-action legacy after the disappointments of 2023 and 2025. By leaning into DeVito’s comedic talents and embracing a satirical, rebellious tone, the film has the potential to outshine its predecessor, offering a fresh take on a classic story that resonates with today’s audiences. While details remain scarce, the buzz around this rumored project is undeniable, with fans on Reddit and YouTube already clamoring for more.
As we await official confirmation, one thing is clear: if Disney can pull off this audacious reimagining, The Little Mermaid (2026) might just be the undersea adventure we’ve all been waiting for—a hilarious, heartfelt rebellion that proves even the most beloved fairy tales can find new life in the most unexpected ways. Will DeVito’s Ariel swim her way to box office glory, or will this be another Disney misstep? Only time will tell, but for now, the rumor mill is churning with excitement.
