Part 7/9:
While China’s box office is critical, it does not spell disaster entirely for Disney. Blockbusters like Top Gun: Maverick demonstrated that a film can succeed globally even without a strong Chinese showing. Currently, The Little Mermaid's domestic projections are modest—expected to gross between $90–$112 million in the opening weekend—compared to a hefty production and marketing budget estimated around $220 million.
To break even, the film will likely need to reach a total worldwide gross of approximately $600–$700 million, factoring in marketing costs and distribution shares. If it garners a strong international audience, particularly in markets outside China such as Europe or Latin America, it could still turn a profit.