Part 6/9:
Zegler’s controversy is also emblematic of a larger issue facing Hollywood’s remake culture. The wave of live-action adaptations of beloved animated classics—like The Little Mermaid, Mulan, and Snow White—has often been met with fatigue and criticism. Many viewers complain that these remakes lack the soul or originality of the originals and are driven more by commercial motives than storytelling.
The Little Mermaid re-release, despite controversies surrounding casting and political correctness, underperformed financially relative to expectations. This economic reality, combined with the backlash over controversy and casting choices, suggests Hollywood’s current approach to remakes might be unsustainable.