If Disney ever brings Atlantis: The Lost Empire to life in a live-action remake, then fans already know who they want to cast as Princess Kida. That’s right – when the same conversation happened on Threads, one fan suggested that actress Isabela Merced would be perfect for the role. The rising star, known for her roles in Madame Web and Dora and the Lost City of Gold, has become a top pick across social media.
With her brilliant acting chops and striking features, many believe that she would do complete justice to the fierce and wise warrior princess. While Disney itself hasn’t confirmed any plans for the live-action adaptation, the growing buzz online shows just how much love the 2001 animated cult classic still holds.
Atlantis: The Lost Empire fans are manifesting Isabela Merced as Kida
Over the last two decades since its release, Atlantis: The Lost Empire remains one of Disney’s most beloved animated adventures. The 2001 cult classic has aged like fine wine and is celebrated for its unique art style and action-packed story, especially featuring the wise and compassionate Princess Kida.
While the movie didn’t get the spotlight it deserved at the time, it’s now gaining love across generations.

And with Disney’s current trend of live-action remakes such as Lilo & Stitch, fans can’t help but dream: what if Atlantis gets the same treatment? And if that happens, then there’s already a fan-favorite casting choice for Kida – Isabela Merced.
Social media buzz started when a fan on Threads casually mentioned Merced as a perfect fit. From there, it spread fast, with more users backing the idea. And honestly, it does make sense. The rising star has already proved her acting chops in projects like Madame Web and The Last of Us, to name a few.
Moreover, she brings the energy, emotional depth, and fierce demeanor that make Kida such a standout character. Even physically, the actress matches Kida’s striking presence. But it’s more than just looks—she has several layers of personality that Merced could absolutely bring to life.
Fans also love that the actress has a mixed heritage and Spanish-speaking background, which would add more depth to a story rooted in ancient, rich cultures. While Disney hasn’t confirmed any plans yet, the excitement is real. And with fan campaigns growing louder, Isabela Merced as Kida may not be just a dream for long.
Why is Atlantis: The Lost Empire Disney’s most underrated movie?

More than two decades after its release, Atlantis: The Lost Empire continues to be one of Disney’s most overlooked gems. While many remember The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast, there’s a special group of people who believe Atlantis deserved just as much recognition, if not more.
When it hit theatres in 2001, the movie brought something fresh. It wasn’t a fairy tale, nor did it have any musical numbers. Instead, it was an action-packed adventure that followed Milo Thatch, a nerdy linguist who believes in the lost city of Atlantis. When he finally gets the chance to prove it, the journey becomes much bigger than he ever imagined.
This premise was definitely intriguing, so what went wrong? Unfortunately, Atlantis was released at the same time as Shrek and Tomb Raider, two box office giants. On top of that, its different tone and lack of music made it harder to market to the usual Disney crowd.
Still, over the years, the movie gained a cult following and earned its place as Disney’s most underrated movie.
You can currently rent Atlantis: The Lost Empire in the USA on Apple TV and Disney+.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire