Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid’ Reboot Showing A Historic Flop for Hollywood

OPINION | This article contains commentary that reflects the author's opinion.

“The Little Mermaid” reached an all-time low with just $13,000 in ticket sales in China. This historic flop indicates the film will likely be one of Disney’s worst-performing films.

Chinese box officer observer Luiz Fernando said, “Meanwhile in China’s BoxOffice, ticket pre-sales for TheLittleMermaid show no signs of reaction.”

“Disney liveaction finished SUN with a scary $13k total after 3 days of pre-sales, for the whole MAY 25-28 period.”

“Could be the worst opening ever for Hollywood tentpole in China,” he added.

Insider reporter Kirsten Acuna said the film is “filled with a few great performances from Halle Bailey and Melissa McCarthy, but it’s a mostly paint-by-numbers remake that isn’t as good as the animated masterpiece.”

Los Angeles Times critic Justin Chang said, “What’s on-screen too often feels like wan, second-rate imitation, and the few differences seem motivated less by a spirit of imagination than one of joyless anxiety.”

“The Little Mermaid” opens in theaters on May 26.

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Hollywood has struggled to get films released in China since the pandemic with a virtual ban on films from the West until the country lifted its stringent “Zero-COVID” policy and amid reports that theaters were on the verge of bankruptcy, the outlet noted.

The last live-action adaptation to hit Chinese theaters was Disney’s “Cruella” in 2021, the report noted. The film grossed $1.6 million on opening weekend and ended up making $24 million during its run in China.

At this point, it is still unclear how Disney’s mermaid film will do worldwide, but early movie reviews in the U.S. have been mixed.

Variety contributor Simon Thompson wrote, “Endearing but uneven, [“The Little Mermaid”] doesn’t deliver the magic of the animated classic, but there are plenty of creative touches from Rob Marshall to float the audience’s boats. Halle Bailey and Melissa McCarthy are great. Daveed Diggs and Awkwafina provide solid comic relief.”