Jake McDorman Returns as Raymond in“ Aquamarine” TV Series, Kenzi Richardson Cast as Half-Mermaid Lead (Exclusive)

Disney+ is set to revisit its beloved 2006 film “Aquamarine” with a new television reboot, and several familiar faces will be part of the cast. Jake McDorman is returning to his role as Raymond, the charming lifeguard and romantic interest of the mermaid character Aquamarine. McDorman’s involvement was revealed exclusively by PEOPLE, alongside a youthful ensemble, which includes Kenzi Richardson, Briella Guiza, Theodore Dalton, and Annika Reese.

In this new adaptation, McDorman’s character has evolved significantly. Now a single father, Raymond shares a daughter named Coral, portrayed by Richardson. The storyline follows Coral as she relocates to an idyllic seaside town, where she embarks on a quest to uncover the mystery surrounding her mother’s disappearance. This journey leads her to discover that her mother was a mermaid, awakening hidden magical abilities within Coral, just as older secrets are poised to emerge from the depths.

With Coral navigating her adolescence, the plot illustrates Raymond’s struggles with her growing independence, compounded by the lingering sorrow of losing Aquamarine. Richardson’s character is depicted as thoughtful and artistic, grappling with her dual identity as a half-mermaid while also contending with the absence of a mother she has never met.

The show’s supporting cast includes Guiza as Mia, Coral’s close friend. Mia is characterised as an edgy and intelligent individual who challenges Coral’s desire to conform. Meanwhile, Reese steps into the role of Paige, a beach club queen bee who exhibits depth beyond her initial mean-girl exterior. Dalton rounds out the regular cast as August, a soulful surfer whose charm complicates his relationship with Coral, underscoring the dynamics of their beachside community.

The pilot is directed by Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum, who also helmed the original film. Rosenbaum will serve as an executive producer alongside Emma Roberts, McDorman, and original producer Susan Cartsonis. Roberts, who reprises her role as Claire Brown, the protagonist’s friend, expressed her excitement over the new series. She noted that reading the pilot script elicited an emotional response, describing how it brought her to tears.

While the involvement of other original stars like Joanna “JoJo” Levesque and Sara Paxton remains uncertain, Levesque has hinted at discussions regarding her potential return to the franchise. She conveyed her enthusiasm about the project, eager to see the script’s outcome.

Reflecting on his time with “Aquamarine,” McDorman shared insights about the film’s lasting appeal. He expressed gratitude for being part of a project that breaks conventional storytelling norms. According to McDorman, the film cleverly subverts the typical narrative arc, allowing audiences to perceive it in unexpected ways.

As the casting announcements generate buzz, fans of the original film are eager to see how this new iteration evolves the story while maintaining the charm of its predecessor. With exciting new characters and an engaging premise, the reboot promises to capture the essence of youth, identity, and the complexities of growing up, all whilst staying connected to the nostalgia of the beloved original.

As the landscape of streaming continues to evolve, “Aquamarine” stands as a testament to the enduring nature of cherished cinematic tales, adapting them to resonate with new generations. With filming yet to begin, viewers are left to ponder what magical adventures await Coral and her father Raymond in this fresh chapter of a beloved story.