Disney’s enchanting live-action remake of the beloved animated classic mesmerized audiences and surpassed all expectations, earning an impressive $95.5 million in its opening weekend, establishing itself as a breathtaking triumph.
In a stunning display of cinematic magic, “The Little Mermaid” emerged from the depths of the ocean and into the hearts of moviegoers, captivating audiences across the nation. Disney’s highly anticipated live-action adaptation of the treasured 1989 animated classic effortlessly outshone its competitors, making a resounding splash with an astounding $95.5 million in box office revenue on 4,320 screens across North America, as reported by the studio.
With the sea as its stage and an extraordinary cast bringing beloved characters to life, “The Little Mermaid” transported viewers to a world of wonder and imagination. Led by the talented Halle Bailey, who flawlessly portrayed the iconic mermaid Ariel, and the incomparable Melissa McCarthy, who portrayed the devious sea witch Ursula, the film’s stellar performances breathed new life into this timeless tale. Disney projects that “The Little Mermaid” will continue to make waves, with an estimated total of $117.5 million by the conclusion of the holiday weekend, securing its position as the fifth highest-grossing Memorial Day weekend opening of all time.
In its wake, “The Little Mermaid” dethroned the reigning champion, “Fast X,” the latest installment of the adrenaline-fueled “Fast and Furious” franchise starring Vin Diesel. While the tenth film in the franchise amassed $23 million domestically, its performance fell behind recent releases in the series, resulting in a two-week cumulative total of $108 million for Universal Pictures.
Continuing to delight audiences, Disney and Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” retained its place in the box office hierarchy, accumulating an estimated $20 million in North America during its fourth weekend. With a domestic total of $299 million, the film’s impressive performance solidifies its status as a force to be reckoned with in the superhero genre.
“The Little Mermaid” serves as a triumphant return for Disney’s animated-to-live-action remakes, reigniting the magic of these beloved classics and hinting at an endless well of nostalgia and excitement for audiences. Despite recent reboots like “Dumbo,” “Mulan,” and “Pinocchio” either underperforming or opting for direct releases on Disney+, this enchanting tale proves that as long as these movies continue to captivate audiences, their allure will endure.
Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst for Comscore, commented on the triumph of Disney’s animated-to-live-action remakes, stating, “It works as long as the movies deliver. It’s great for Disney to be able to tap into their archive by reviving these titles that started off as huge hits in the animated realm.”
While “The Little Mermaid” joins the ranks of Disney’s successful remakes with its impressive opening performance, it falls short of the extraordinary debuts of 2017’s “Beauty and the Beast” and 2019’s “The Lion King,” which opened with over $170 million and more than $190 million, respectively, in their initial weekends. Nevertheless, audiences wholeheartedly embraced the film’s magical journey, evident by its A CinemaScore and the significant number of ticket buyers between the ages of 25 and 34, suggesting that nostalgic adults played a vital role in its success.
Critics’ reviews of the film were more varied, with “The Little Mermaid” currently holding a 67% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Lindsey Bahr of The Associated Press described it as “a somewhat drab undertaking with sparks of bioluminescence,” suggesting that it prioritized nostalgia and familiarity over compelling visual storytelling. However, she praised Halle Bailey for her captivating presence and superb vocal talents, which added a shimmering touch to the overall production.
Directed by the visionary Rob Marshall, “The Little Mermaid” splashes onto the silver screen with a reported budget of $250 million, excluding marketing expenses. This sumptuous retelling of a yearning, wayward daughter’s odyssey showcases the timeless songs of Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, including the iconic melodies of “Part of Your World” and “Under the Sea,” which sparked a renaissance of Disney animation in the 1990s.
As the tides of cinematic releases ebb and flow, “The Little Mermaid” has triumphantly emerged as a box office powerhouse, leaving moviegoers yearning for more magical journeys. While the future remains uncertain, with the impending releases of “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” and “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts,” one thing is certain: “The Little Mermaid” has solidified its place as a captivating tale that will continue to enchant audiences for generations to come.
Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore. Final domestic figures will be released Monday.
- “The Little Mermaid,” $95.5 million.
- “Fast X,” $23 million.
- “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” $20 million.
- “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” $6.3 million.
- “The Machine,” $4.9 million.
- “About My Father,” $4.3 million.
- “Kandahar,” $2.4 million.
- “You Hurt My Feelings,” $1.4 million.
- “Evil Dead Rise,” $1 million.
- “Book Club, The Next Chapter,” $920,000.
