Though Disney's remake of The Little Mermaid had a strong opening weekend in the U.S., the live-action reimagining of the animated classic has not been as well-received in certain other parts of the world.
According to THR, the movie is "getting doused" in select foreign markets, largely due to racist backlash over the casting of Black actress Halle Bailey in the lead role of Ariel.
While there is often outcry over what is perceived to be "forced diversity" in major studio releases, it appears to have been taken to a new level in the likes of South Korea and China.
The Middle Kingdom's government-affiliated The Global Times ran an eyebrow-raising editorial prior to the movie's release.
“The controversy surrounding Disney’s forced inclusion of minorities in classic films is not about racism, but its lazy and irresponsible storytelling strategy,” stated the op-ed. “Many Chinese netizens said that like Snow White, the image of the mermaid princess in Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales has long been rooted in their hearts and it takes a leap of imagination to accept the new cast.”
While The Little Mermaid has been getting generally positive reviews (it sits at 67% on Rotten Tomatoes), some elements of the film have come in for criticism, but Bailey's performance as Ariel is the one thing that's been universally praised.
The Little Mermaid has grossed just $3.6 million in its first 10 days of release in China - by far the worst showing of any live-action Disney adaptation yet - and has taken in $4.4 million through June 4 in South Korea.
The Little Mermaid is the beloved story of Ariel, a beautiful and spirited young mermaid with a thirst for adventure. The youngest of King Triton’s daughters, and the most defiant, Ariel longs to find out more about the world beyond the sea, and while visiting the surface, falls for the dashing Prince Eric.
While mermaids are forbidden to interact with humans, Ariel must follow her heart. She makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, which gives her a chance to experience life on land, but ultimately places her life – and her father’s crown – in jeopardy.
The movie is now in theaters.