Part 6/9:
The problematic international start is compounded by the fact that Fast X outperformed The Little Mermaid in some regions during its debut weekend. The movie's poor performance in Asia, combined with the lackluster figures across other territories, suggests that The Little Mermaid might struggle to reach even $700 million globally—an unsatisfactory outcome for Disney considering the massive investment.
Despite strong initial reception from audiences domestically, the lack of international momentum could spell trouble for its longevity in theaters. Historically, Disney’s live-action remakes relied on long legs and sustained performance abroad, but if the current trends continue, the film could be pulled from many markets, especially in China, where it’s already facing theater closures.