Report: ‘Little Mermaid’ pre-sales in China worst for Disney in 2021.

Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” Struggles in China

Pre-ticket sales for Disney’s live-action remake of “The Little Mermaid” in China have been disappointing, with only $13,000 in sales after three days of presales ahead of the May 25 opening. Observers suggest that this lack of interest from Chinese moviegoers could make it the worst-performing Disney release in China in 2023. Hollywood has struggled to release films in China since the pandemic, with a virtual ban on Western films until the country lifted its stringent “Zero-COVID” policy. The last live-action adaptation to hit Chinese theaters was Disney’s “Cruella” in 2021, which grossed $1.6 million on opening weekend and ended up making $24 million during its run in China.

Early Reviews in the U.S.

Early reviews for “The Little Mermaid” in the U.S. have been mixed. While some critics praise the performances of Halle Bailey and Melissa McCarthy, others criticize the film for being a “paint-by-numbers remake” that fails to deliver the magic of the animated classic. The film hits theaters on May 26.