Disney's Little Mermaid Flop in China
Disney's live-action remake of The Little Mermaid has flopped in China, grossing just $3.6 million (£2.9 million) since its release in Chinese cinemas on May 26.
The film's poor performance in China is a major disappointment for Disney, which had hoped to replicate the success of its previous live-action remakes of animated classics, such as Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin.
There are a number of reasons why The Little Mermaid may have flopped in China. One possibility is that Chinese audiences were not interested in seeing a live-action version of the animated film. Another possibility is that the film's casting of Halle Bailey as Ariel was controversial in China. Some Chinese social media users criticized the casting, saying that Bailey did not look like the traditional depiction of Ariel.
Whatever the reason for the film's poor performance, The Little Mermaid's flop is a sign that Disney may need to rethink its strategy for releasing live-action remakes of animated classics in China.
Here are some of the reasons why The Little Mermaid may have flopped in China:
- Casting controversy: The casting of Halle Bailey as Ariel was controversial in China. Some Chinese social media users criticized the casting, saying that Bailey did not look like the traditional depiction of Ariel.
- Competition from other films: The Little Mermaid was released in China at the same time as several other major films, including Fast X and Jurassic World Dominion. This may have split the box office and contributed to The Little Mermaid's poor performance.
- Weak marketing campaign: Disney's marketing campaign for The Little Mermaid was not as strong as it could have been. This may have led to lower awareness of the film and lower ticket sales.
Disney's next steps:
The Little Mermaid's flop in China is a major disappointment for Disney. The company will need to rethink its strategy for releasing live-action remakes of animated classics in China. Some possible strategies include:
- Casting Chinese actors: Disney could cast Chinese actors in lead roles in future live-action remakes. This would help to ensure that the films are more appealing to Chinese audiences.
- Releasing films at different times: Disney could release live-action remakes of animated classics at different times in China. This would help to avoid competition from other major films.
- Strengthening marketing campaigns: Disney could strengthen its marketing campaigns for future live-action remakes of animated classics. This would help to raise awareness of the films and increase ticket sales.