Despite the seemingly inevitable racist backlash aimed at The Little Mermaid when it was announced, all signs pointed to the movie being one of the year's biggest hits.
Earlier this month, it was reported that this might be a live-action Disney adaptation which results in a rare loss for the studio. Despite a solid opening, lower-than-expected numbers in countries like China and South Korea led to speculation Ariel's live-action debut could be the first and last time we head under the sea with her.
With a rumoured production cost of $250 million and a massive $140 million global marketing spend, an eventual global haul of anywhere in the low $400 million range all but guarantees a $20 million loss. However, while the movie was once heading that way, things are now looking up for it.
The Little Mermaid grossed $8.7 million in North America during its fifth weekend of release, bringing its domestic cume to $270.2 million. Internationally, the movie made $9.4 million to bring its total to $229.1 million.
As a result, it's hit $499.3 million globally and will cross $500 million today. Current estimates point to a $580 million - $600 million worldwide haul, meaning the movie is going to turn a decent, albeit fairly small, profit which opens the door to Disney at least considering a sequel revolving around Ariel and company.
Despite some review bombing, both Rotten Tomatoes and CinemaScore tell a very different story from what you might be seeing in other corners of the internet. On the former, it has a 94% Audience Score from verified ticket buyers, while CinemaScore (which polls moviegoers as they leave theaters) awarded it an A grade.
The Little Mermaid stars singer and actress Halle Bailey as Ariel, Daveed Diggs as the voice of Sebastian, Jacob Tremblay as the voice of Flounder, Awkwafina as the voice of Scuttle, Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric, Art Malik as Sir Grimsby, Noma Dumezweni as Queen Selina, with Javier Bardem as King Triton, and Melissa McCarthy as Ursula.
The movie is currently playing in theaters.