The Little Mermaid 2023: A Box Office Flop or Success?

Often misunderstood, The Little Mermaid (2023) surprisingly took the ninth spot as the highest-grossing film of 2023, making it the seventh highest-grossing remake in Disney's history. However, this title of success is a misleading narrative often perpetuated by those with vested interests in Disney's legacy.

In this article, we'll delve into why The Little Mermaid 2023 can be considered a box office failure despite its financial performance. We’ll also explore the undercurrents of race, marketing, and public perception that have shaped the discourse around this remake.

Contrary Narratives and Box Office Success

Disney’s Financial Stakes

Many may argue that The Little Mermaid is a box office success, citing its impressive opening weekend and ranking among the highest-grossing films of 2023. However, looking beyond these surface-level statistics, the reality is less rosy. Critics and industry analysts have pointed out that the film’s success is questionable when considering its financial implications for Disney.

According to financial experts, the film is estimated to have cost Disney anywhere between $250 to $500 million, making it a financial loss. This massive investment and subsequent loss raises doubts about the efficacy of the remake and its strategic implications for the company.

Analysis of the Film's Performance

Poor Writing, Bad Filmmaking, and Lack of Creative Vision

One of the primary reasons for the perceived failure of The Little Mermaid is its poor script, subpar filming, and lack of innovative vision. Critics argue that the movie is a listless retelling of a beloved classic. It lacks the creative genius that is often associated with Disney’s best films. The special effects are considered underwhelming, and the music fails to capture the magic of previous Disney soundtracks.

The film's attempt to reinterpret the story with a racially insensitive plot change is another major flaw. Actors like Halle Bailey were brought in to appeal to a diverse audience, but these changes ultimately alienate fans of the original story. Making Ariel a black mermaid, for example, was seen as a shallow cultural appropriation, as Ariel is a Danish icon, and her cultural roots are a significant part of her character.

The Nail in the Coffin: Public Reaction and Perception

Marketing Gimmicks and Public Trust

The film's failures are further exacerbated by the marketing strategies that promote diversity at the expense of the quality of storytelling. For instance, the character of Ariel being reimagined as a black mermaid was marketed as a progressive move, but it disregarded the original's cultural significance and alienated many traditional fans.

The movie also faced backlash from popular culture and media. The animated series South Park mocked Disney's attempts to market to "diverse" audiences by replacing characters with less exciting alternatives. Disney's use of such tactics has eroded public trust, particularly when coupled with the company's other morally ambiguous works.

Aftermath and Legacy

The Knock-on Effects of the Anti-Remake Strategy

Despite the film’s relatively high box office performance, its long-term impact on Disney's public image and financial strategies is detrimental. The drop in Disney's stock prices post-theatrical release and the erosion of trust among fans indicate a shift towards a more cynical view of the company. This is especially true given the dichotomy between the film’s box office success and its perceived creative and moral failures.

Other Disney properties like Wish and Snow White have seen similar issues. This reflects a larger trend where Disney’s core values and creative output are increasingly questioned by the public, leading to a loss of confidence in the brand.

Conclusion

While The Little Mermaid 2023 brought in substantial box office revenue, it is important to consider its true impact. The film’s failure extends beyond the box office; it reflects poorly on Disney’s contemporary practices, including its reliance on ethnic pandering and its disregard for the spirit of the original storytelling.

The success narrative of The Little Mermaid is a tale of delusion, especially given the negative financial implications and the damage to the company’s image. As Disney continues to navigate the complexities of modern entertainment, the true jury is still out on whether this remake was a win or a loss.