TL;DR: Ursula has officially entered her "Redemption Era." Between the breakout success of her daughter Uma in the Descendants franchise and her new role as the "sassy aunt" in Disney Junior’s Ariel, the Sea Witch is no longer the monster under the bed. For kids in 2026, she’s a symbol of body-positive confidence, sharp wit, and—believe it or not—the importance of reading the fine print.
If you grew up with the 1989 version of The Little Mermaid, Ursula was pure nightmare fuel. She was the drag-inspired, soul-stealing cecaelia who ended up impaled by a ship. She was "The Bad Guy," full stop.
But fast forward to the 2025-2026 media landscape, and the vibe has shifted dramatically. Disney has realized that today’s kids (and their parents) are obsessed with a good villain origin story. We’ve seen it with Maleficent and Cruella, but Ursula is different. She isn't just getting a tragic backstory; she’s getting a personality transplant.
In the latest content, Ursula is often portrayed as the "sassy aunt" figure—the one who tells it like it is, refuses to shrink herself to fit in, and prioritizes her own agency. She has moved from a cautionary tale about greed to a Masterclass in "Main Character Energy."
It’s easy to dismiss this as "brain rot" or just another corporate rebrand, but there’s a reason your 6-year-old is suddenly obsessed with purple tentacles.
- Confidence as a Superpower: In a world where kids are constantly told to "be nice" and "share," Ursula represents the unapologetic pursuit of what you want.
- The "Sassy Aunt" Archetype: Kids love a character who subverts the "stodgy" parental figure (sorry, King Triton). Ursula is the one who brings the "charms and tricks," as seen in Disney Junior’s Ariel.
- Visual Representation: Ursula has always been a body-positivity icon (originally modeled after the drag queen Divine). In 2026, that legacy is being celebrated more openly, making her a "BFF" to kids who don't see themselves in the traditional "waif-like" princess mold.
Ask our chatbot why villains are becoming more popular than heroes for Gen Alpha
If your kid is asking for "the octopus lady," here is how to navigate the different versions currently streaming.
Ages 2-6 This is the epicenter of the "Sassy Aunt" shift. Voiced by Amber Riley, this Ursula is literally Ariel’s aunt. She’s helpful, she’s musical, and she’s essentially a flamboyant mentor.
- The Screenwise Take: It’s safe, colorful, and completely removes the "soul-stealing" element. It’s a great entry point, but be prepared for the "wait, she's evil?" confusion when they eventually see the original movie.
Ages 7-12 While Ursula herself only makes cameos, her daughter Uma (played by China Anne McClain) is the star here. This film introduces Uliana, Ursula’s younger sister, further fleshing out the "Sea Witch" family tree.
- The Screenwise Take: This is where the "villain kid" (VK) trope really shines. It teaches kids that you aren't defined by your parents' mistakes—a heavy concept wrapped in neon hair and pop-rock.
Ages 6+ Melissa McCarthy’s Ursula is a bridge between the old and the new. She’s still a villain, but there’s a palpable sense of family trauma (she’s Triton’s banished sister here, too).
- The Screenwise Take: This version is "deliciously camp." It keeps the stakes high but adds a layer of "I’m doing this because I was wronged," which is a perfect conversation starter about how to handle rejection and jealousy.
Ages 8+ In this "cozy" life-sim game, Ursula is one of the villagers you can interact with. You actually have to run errands for her and help her out.
- The Screenwise Take: It’s interesting to see kids "befriend" a villain in a sandbox environment. It turns the Sea Witch into a complex neighbor rather than a boss fight.
| Age Group | Context | What to Watch Out For |
|---|---|---|
| Preschool (2-5) | The "Auntie" version. | Fear of the "original" Ursula if they stumble upon the 1989 movie. |
| Early Elementary (6-9) | The "Cool Diva" version. | Mimicking "sassy" talk that crosses the line into being disrespectful to adults. |
| Tweens (10-12) | The "Nuanced Anti-Hero" version. | Over-identifying with the "misunderstood" trope to justify bad behavior. |
One of the most fascinating things about Ursula—in almost every iteration—is that she is a notary. She doesn't just steal things; she makes you sign a contract.
In the 2025 landscape, where kids are constantly clicking "I Agree" on Terms of Service for Roblox or TikTok, Ursula is actually a fantastic (if unintended) lesson in digital literacy.
How to Talk About It:
- The Fine Print: When Ursula takes Ariel’s voice, she does it because Ariel signed the paper. Ask your kid: "Why did Ariel sign that without reading it?" or "What happens when we click 'agree' on a new game without looking at the rules?"
- The "Sassy" vs. "Mean" Divide: Kids love Ursula’s wit, but there’s a difference between being confident and being cruel. Talk about the "sassy aunt" vibe in Disney Junior’s Ariel—is she being funny, or is she putting people down?
- Boundaries: Ursula is the queen of "I’ll give you this, but it costs that." It’s a great way to talk about healthy boundaries in friendships and how "favors" shouldn't always come with a hidden price tag.
Check out our guide on teaching digital literacy through Disney characters
The 2025-2026 shift of Ursula from "Scary Monster" to "Sassy Aunt" is a reflection of how we’re teaching kids to look at the world: with more nuance and less "black and white" morality.
Is it a little weird that the woman who used to keep "poor unfortunate souls" in a jar is now a Disney Junior regular? Absolutely. But if it helps our kids understand that people are complex, that confidence is a tool, and that you should always read the contract before you sign your voice away... well, maybe the Sea Witch isn't so bad after all.
- Watch together: If you have a preschooler, check out an episode of Disney Junior’s Ariel and ask them what they think of "Auntie Ursula."
- Compare and Contrast: If you have older kids, do a double feature of the 1989 and 2023 movies. Talk about how her character changed.
- Update your Wise Score: Head over to your Screenwise dashboard and update your family's media preferences to see if these "new" villains fit your digital boundaries.