Though it wouldn't be at all accurate to call the movie a flop, the live-action remake of The Little Mermaid has definitely been underperforming, and the latest box office updates suggest that the movie won't come anywhere near its initial $1 billion projections.
Though the family-friendly reimagining of the animated classic has been holding steady in the U.S. after three weeks on general release (it's just passed $228 million domestically), it has been struggling in international markets, and Variety believes the movie will "be lucky to hit $500 million" worldwide by the end of its theatrical run.
A recent report indicated that the film is "getting doused" in select foreign markets, largely due to racist backlash over the casting of Black actress Halle Bailey in the lead role of Ariel.
While there is often outcry over what is perceived to be "forced diversity" in major studio releases, it appears to have been taken to a new level in the likes of South Korea and China, where The Little Mermaid has failed to make any kind of impact on the BO.
The Little Mermaid is the beloved story of Ariel, a beautiful and spirited young mermaid with a thirst for adventure. The youngest of King Triton’s daughters, and the most defiant, Ariel longs to find out more about the world beyond the sea, and while visiting the surface, falls for the dashing Prince Eric.
While mermaids are forbidden to interact with humans, Ariel must follow her heart. She makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, which gives her a chance to experience life on land, but ultimately places her life – and her father’s crown – in jeopardy.
The movie is now in theaters.
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