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The Little Mermaid Box Office has captured the attention of audiences worldwide. Beyond its financial achievements, the film’s impact on children, in particular, is significant.
With its diverse casting choices and authentic representation, “The Little Mermaid” has emerged as a symbol of progress in the realm of children’s entertainment.
By exploring the implications of the film’s box office performance on kids, we can gain valuable insights into the importance of representation and cultural diversity in shaping young minds.
Let’s dive into this post for more!
An Overview Of The Little Mermaid 2023

American musical fantasy film “The Little Mermaid” was released in 2023 and was written by David Magee and directed by Rob Marshall. It is a live-action adaptation of Disney’s 1989 animated film based on Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale.
Along with a talented supporting ensemble that includes Jonah Hauer-King, Daveed Diggs, Awkwafina, Jacob Tremblay, Noma Dumezweni, Art Malik, Javier Bardem, and Melissa McCarthy, the movie stars Halle Bailey as the title character, Ariel.
The story follows Ariel, a mermaid princess fascinated with the human world. In an effort to impress Prince Eric, she strikes a deal with the sea witch Ursula to exchange her voice for human legs. As time runs out, she must find a way to make the prince fall in love with her.
Production for the film began in early 2021 at Pinewood Studios in England and on the island of Sardinia, Italy. The renowned composer Alan Menken, who worked on the original film, returned to compose the score and write new songs, collaborating with Lin-Manuel Miranda.
On May 8, 2023, “The Little Mermaid” had its Los Angeles premiere. On May 26, it was made available in the US in a variety of formats, including IMAX, RealD 3D, Dolby Cinema, and 4DX.
While critics praised the performances of the cast and the musical sequences, there were some criticisms regarding the visual effects and character designs. The film pays tribute to the late Howard Ashman, who played a significant role in the original film’s music.
Overall, “The Little Mermaid” is a highly anticipated live-action adaptation that brings the beloved story to a new generation while honoring the animated classic.
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Was The Little Mermaid A Box Office Hit?

With a domestic box office collection of $117 million in North America, the film had a solid showing in its home market. However, it’s important to note that the film fell short of being a major blockbuster.
In terms of international markets, “The Little Mermaid” amassed $68.3 million, contributing to its overall worldwide gross of $185 million. While this figure is respectable, it’s not an astronomical sum compared to some of the highest-grossing films in recent years.
Despite the original animated film’s popularity and built-in fanbase, the live-action adaptation didn’t reach the same level of commercial success.
Factors such as competition from other releases, audience reception, and critical reviews could have influenced the film’s performance at the box office. It’s worth noting that box office numbers alone don’t necessarily reflect a film’s overall success or impact.
Additional revenue streams, such as home video sales, streaming rights, merchandise, and future adaptations, also play a significant role in determining a film franchise’s overall profitability and longevity.
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The Impact Of The Little Mermaid Box Office On Kids

The strong BO performance of this movie is good news for kids for several reasons, particularly in terms of representation and cultural diversity in entertainment.
Firstly, the success of the film demonstrates the demand for more inclusive and diverse family-friendly content. The casting of Halle Bailey, a Black actor, as Ariel resonated with audiences and attracted a significant audience.
This representation is crucial for children who want to see themselves reflected on screen. A recent study found that the majority of Black kids, as well as Asian and Hispanic kids, express the importance of seeing their race represented in media.
The success of “The Little Mermaid” sends a clear message that inclusive representation is not only desired but can also be financially successful.
Furthermore, films with authentic and inclusive representation have been shown to have better box office returns. The inclusion of diverse casts and crews, as well as the authentic depiction of specific identities and experiences, can lead to widespread praise and higher earnings.
This supports the notion that diversity and representation are not only important for social reasons but also make good business sense.
The positive reception and financial success of “The Little Mermaid” also extend beyond kids themselves. Parents also recognize the importance of diverse representation in media.
They want their children to understand other cultures, learn about diversity and have balanced and accurate portrayals of people and their voices. The desire for diversity extends to both the cast and the creative teams behind the camera.
The success of “The Little Mermaid” highlights the need for more diverse voices in the industry. This includes not only representation on-screen but also behind the scenes, with diverse writers, producers, and directors contributing to the storytelling process.
Inclusive representation starts with having diverse perspectives and experiences involved in creative decision-making.
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Is The Little Mermaid Live-Action Good?

The live-action adaptation of “The Little Mermaid” has garnered generally positive responses from both audience members and critics. The film’s high audience ratings and positive reception indicate its overall quality and appeal.
With an “A” grade from Cinemascore, viewers have expressed their satisfaction with the film. This positive feedback suggests that the movie resonated with its intended audience and provided an enjoyable experience.
Also, the film’s audience ratings indicate that it was well-received by those who watched it.
While critical reviews have been somewhat mixed, with the film sitting at a 67% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it is important to note that the majority of reviews are positive.
The film has garnered praise for its performances, particularly highlighting the talents of the cast members. Though some reviews may have offered more critical perspectives, the overall sentiment is that “The Little Mermaid” is a good adaptation.
Watch the trailer here:
FAQs
How much did Little Mermaid make in 2023?
In 2023, “The Little Mermaid” made over $500 million globally, with nearly $400 million coming from overseas markets. This makes it the third highest-grossing movie of the year.
Is The New Little Mermaid okay for kids?
The new live-action adaptation of “The Little Mermaid” may have intense moments that could be challenging for younger kids. Parents should consider their child’s sensitivity and maturity level before deciding if the film is appropriate.
What does The Little Mermaid teach children?
The Little Mermaid teaches children that there is no dream too big or too small. Despite the mistakes and challenges she faced, Ariel pursued her goal and got to explore the human world. The lesson is to never give up during challenges, but instead, try your best and believe in your ability to succeed.
Conclusion
The Little Mermaid Box Office has had significant impacts on kids, transcending its financial achievements. Through its diverse casting choices and authentic representation, the film has become a catalyst for positive change in children’s entertainment.
“The Little Mermaid” box office success serves as a reminder that children’s entertainment has the power to shape minds, challenge norms, and create a brighter future for generations to come.
Let us embrace the transformative potential of inclusive storytelling and continue striving for a world where every child can find themselves reflected in the stories they love.
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