Over the years, movies and TV series have garnered millions of fans around the world. These productions sneak into our daily lives and win a place in our hearts, which is why we tend to get hooked on them. Therefore, we keep an eye on every premiere, eagerly await possible sequels or new seasons, discuss them on social media with other fans, and most importantly, share theories about them. Many movies get wrapped up in dozens of creative fan theories that actually make a lot of sense, and help to keep the production alive.
Disney and Pixar movies were, and still are, great sources of theories. In each release, fans pay attention to every single detail to elaborate theories that, in general, remain just as such. However, from time to time, these theories are confirmed by filmmakers, something that encourages fans to come up with bigger and better ones. Without going any further, a few years ago Chris Buck, who directed Tarzan and Frozen, confirmed the fan theory that Tarzan is the son that Anna and Elsa's parents had after their accident, proving that the jungle boy is actually related to the Princess and Queen of Arendelle (via NME).
There is a long-standing theory that connects two other Disney classics: Peter Pan and The Little Mermaid. At first glance, these 1953 and 1989 films seem to have nothing in common, except for the fact that both stories are being adapted into live-action films due in 2023. Still, the story of the boy who doesn't want to grow up and the mermaid who longs to be human seem to have a connection, because apparently, Peter Pan's main antagonist was responsible for a tragedy that had a direct impact on the mermaid. According to a fan theory, Captain Hook killed Queen Athena.
How Did Queen Athena Die?
Ariel is the seventh and last daughter of King Triton and Queen Athena, yet the latter character is not featured in The Little Mermaid, which left audiences wondering. The story of Ariel's mother is explored in the third film of the franchise, The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning. Many years before the events of the original film, Atlantica was an entirely different kingdom run by Triton and Athena, a couple that reigned both warmly and joyfully. Through the flashbacks of Ariel's Beginning the audience is introduced to Athena, who is strikingly similar to her daughter Ariel, both physically and in her curious and fun-loving attitude.
On the Queen and King's wedding anniversary, they head to a cove to celebrate with their daughters and friends, and Triton gifts Athena with a music box that plays their favorite song. During the celebrations, a pirate ship approaches the area, so the whole group of mermaids retreats. However, Athena falls behind helping one of her daughters who got stuck on a rock and, later, trying to retrieve her music box so as not to lose it forever. Unfortunately, while she was doing this, she got crushed by the ship, which hit the rocks after losing control. This situation utterly transformed King Triton, particularly in his perception of humans, the way he raised his daughters and how he ruled Atlantica from then on.
Captain Hook's Role in Her Tragic Death
The fan theory that connects Peter Pan to The Little Mermaid states that the ship that crushed Queen Athena when Ariel was a child was commanded by none other than Captain Hook, making him the main responsible for her death (per TV Overmind). Of course, this villain is not actually featured in Ariel's mom's death scene, and the elements that back up this theory are actually from the Peter Pan movie. In a scene from this 1953 production, Peter takes Wendy to Mermaid Lagoon, a tropical place where mermaids who live near Neverland gather to relax and have fun with their friends. Apparently, Peter is a frequent guest there, and he seems to have stolen the mermaids' hearts. One of these young ladies in particular stands out immediately because of her physical resemblance to Queen Athena, from her red hair to her greenish mermaid tail.
The scene in Mermaid Lagoon ends abruptly when Peter Pan spots Captain Hook approaching with his ship, and upon hearing his name, these mermaids flee in terror. The fact that they are so scared of this villain could indicate that he has already terrorized them in the past and made a name for himself. Therefore, as soon as fans noticed Queen Athena's resemblance to Peter Pan's mermaid and the pirate ship that attempted to attack the mermaids in The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning, they quickly inferred that Captain Hook was traveling on that boat. Besides, crushing Queen Athena wouldn't bother him too much, as this character has proven on many occasions that he is not afraid of hurting others and, as a matter of fact, he even enjoys it.
How Accurate Is This Theory?
This theory has been spreading on social media for many years, and in fact, a lot of fans around the world have already embraced it as if it were true. However, even though several theories involving Disney films have been verified over the years, this one has yet to be confirmed. John Musker and Ron Clements, the directors of The Little Mermaid, have not commented on the matter, so for the moment, it is just speculation amongst fans. Nevertheless, considering that Disney keeps an eye on every tiny detail, this theory does make a lot of sense. It is just a matter of time to find out whether it is confirmed or not.