Disney’s upcoming live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid has been highly-anticipated since it was first announced. The film, which is set to be directed by Rob Marshall (Mary Poppins Returns) and stars Halle Bailey as Ariel, will premiere May 26, 2023. For weeks, many have wondered what the initial box office projections would look like for this live-actioon reimagining.
According to Box Office Pro’s long-range box office forecast, The Little Mermaid is expected to make $70 million to $90 million over its opening weekend. The projected domestic haul for The Little Mermaid is between $235 million to $305 million.
Fans of the 1989 animated classic will likely show up for this new live-action reimagining. The Disney live-action reimaginings have had a strong track record at the box office, especially titles that were from Disney’s Renaissance era like Aladdin ($1 billion), Beauty and the Beast ($1.2 billion), and The Lion King ($1.6 billion). Aladdin made $91 million over its opening weekend, Beauty and the Beast made $174 million, and The Lion King hauled in $191 million during its opening weekend. So, it’s safe to say that The Little Mermaid’s projections — while they are good — are still below what these previous entries have done.
However there is a chance that The Little Mermaid doesn’t soar to that $70 million to $90 million opening weekend range. If audiences don’t turn out like they did in 2019 for Disney live-action remakes then that will greatly affect The Little Mermaid’s box office haul. Disney has to hope that the brand damage it suffered throughout the pandemic and its pivot to Disney+ won’t affect these upcoming titles.
The cast to the upcoming reimaging includes Halle Bailey as Ariel. Bailey, who is best known for her role in the music duo Chloe x Halle, has a strong fan following and has been praised for her acting and singing abilities. Many fans are excited to see her portrayal of Ariel. The rest of the cast includes Jonah Hauer-King, Daveed Diggs, Awkwafina, Jacob Tremblay, Noma Dumezweni, Javier Bardem, and Melissa McCarthy. The film will also feature the classic hits from the original as well as new music from Alan Menken and Lin-Manuel Miranda.
The Little Mermaid dives into theaters on May 26.
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Zach Perilstein is the Editor-in-Chief of the Boardwalk Times
