Even when the critics aren't won over, Disney's live-action reimaginings of its animated classics usually perform very well at the box office, and it doesn't sound like Rob Marshall's The Little Mermaid is going to buck the trend.
According to the latest estimates (via Variety), the musical fantasy adventure looks set to make a massive splash when it swims into theaters this Memorial Day weekend, amassing $100 million from 4,300 North American theaters in its first three days of release, and $120 million to $125 million by Monday’s holiday.
If these predictions prove to be accurate, The Little Mermaid will become the fourth movie (and third from Disney) this year to clear the $100 million mark over its opening weekend, following The Super Mario Bros. Movie ($146 million), Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 ($118 million) and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania ($106 million).
Just like Ariel, we'll have to see if the movie is able to hold on to its legs over the next few weeks, but reviews have been pretty positive for the most part (it's currently sitting at 71% on Rotten Tomatoes with an 84% audience score).
Do you plan on seeing The Little Mermaid in theaters this weekend?
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 set to hit theaters on May 26, 2023.