Part 6/8:
The failure of the live-action remake appears to be a case study in Disney's shifting focus toward identity politics rather than traditional storytelling. The decision to greenlight a whole new animated series based on the racialized version of Ariel, despite the film's lackluster performance, signals that Disney is doubling down on these themes—perhaps at the expense of box office success.
Public Reaction:
Many fans and critics have voiced skepticism and disappointment, pointing out that the movie's underperformance, despite high expectations, reflects a disconnect between Disney's political messaging and audience preferences. The film's financial failure also underscores that corporate virtue signaling alone cannot replace good storytelling.