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Industry analysts have expressed doubt about the movie’s prospects, with some suggesting it might barely surpass the $500 million mark, and possibly struggle to reach $600 million. Given the high costs associated with production and marketing, even reaching these moderate targets could mean significant losses for Disney.
How Political Choices and Audience Rejection Played a Role
The fundamental reasons behind The Little Mermaid’s struggles extend beyond box office numbers. The film became a lightning rod for debates about cultural representation, political correctness, and audience preferences for storytelling authenticity. Critics argued that the movie’s race swap and narrative changes seemed driven by an ideological agenda rather than storytelling integrity.