5 Deep-Sea Secrets: The Unfiltered Truth About Disney's Live-Action Little Mermaid Film Two Years Later
Two years after its theatrical debut, Disney's live-action adaptation of *The Little Mermaid* continues to be one of the most discussed and dissected films in the studio's recent history, with new financial data and sequel rumors emerging even in late 2025. This 2023 remake, directed by Rob Marshall and starring Halle Bailey as Ariel, was a cultural phenomenon that sparked both immense celebration and intense controversy, setting a new benchmark for the studio's ambitious live-action remake strategy. The conversation has now shifted from the initial casting debate to a deeper analysis of its box office performance, critical legacy, and the potential for a new cinematic universe under the sea.
As of late 2025, the film's total impact is still being calculated, especially as it continues to find new audiences on the Disney+ streaming platform and through international television broadcasts, such as its August 2025 airing on M6. The story of Ariel, the young mermaid who trades her voice for legs, has always resonated deeply, but this iteration introduced fresh themes and a new wave of discussion, making its long-term legacy far more complex than a simple box office tally. We dive into the five biggest truths about the film's aftermath and what the future holds for this divisive yet successful project.
The Unsinkable Star: Halle Bailey's Breakout Role and Biography
The success and controversy of *The Little Mermaid* are intrinsically linked to its lead, Halle Bailey, whose casting as Ariel was both a global flashpoint and a career-defining moment. Her powerful vocal performance and magnetic screen presence were almost universally praised, even by those critical of the film's other elements.
- Full Name: Halle Lynn Bailey
- Date of Birth: March 27, 2000
- Place of Birth: Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
- Career Start: Gained prominence as one half of the R&B duo Chloe x Halle, alongside her sister Chloe Bailey.
- Early Recognition: The duo was discovered by Beyoncé, who signed them to her Parkwood Entertainment label.
- Major Role: Ariel in Disney's *The Little Mermaid* (2023).
- Awards & Nominations: Has received multiple Grammy nominations with Chloe x Halle.
- Post-*Mermaid* Projects: Starred in the musical film adaptation of *The Color Purple* (2023).
Bailey's portrayal brought a new dimension to the character of Ariel, focusing on her curiosity and sense of adventure rather than just her romantic pursuit. This casting choice, while celebrated for promoting diversity and representation, also became the central point of the film's most intense public debates.
The Box Office Tides: Analyzing *The Little Mermaid*'s True Financial Splash
While the film generated significant revenue, its financial performance is often cited as a cautionary tale due to its massive production costs, leading to ongoing debates about whether it was a success or a disappointment for Disney.
The Final Tally
The film ultimately performed well, but the numbers reveal a tight margin. The worldwide box office gross reached an impressive $569.6 million. Domestically, it was a strong performer, debuting in first place and collecting over $298 million in the U.S. and Canada.
The Soaring Budget
The true shock came from the production budget. Disney revealed that the cost of the live-action remake swelled to an astonishing $379.8 million, making it one of the most expensive films ever made. This massive budget—driven by extensive CGI work to render the underwater world, the photorealistic animal characters (Flounder, Sebastian, Scuttle), and the complex visual effects—meant that the film needed to gross significantly more than its $569 million total to be considered a major financial win after marketing costs and theatrical cuts.
The high cost led many financial analysts to label the film as a box office disappointment or even a "flop" when measured against its budget and the performance of other Disney remakes like *The Lion King* (2019) or *Beauty and the Beast* (2017).
The Deep-Sea Debates: Controversies and Critical Reception
The *Little Mermaid* remake was a lightning rod for controversy from the moment Halle Bailey’s casting was announced, but the debates didn't stop there. The film’s final execution also drew sharp criticism from both fans and industry veterans.
The Casting Backlash and Review Bombing
The decision to cast a Black actress as Ariel reignited a major cultural debate over race and representation in classic characters. This led to organized "review bombing" on major film websites, where users intentionally posted mass negative reviews to lower the film's public score, a phenomenon that major sites had to address. Despite the backlash, the positive reaction from young Black girls seeing themselves represented on screen was a powerful counter-narrative and a defining moment of the film's release.
Original Director's Disappointment
Adding to the critical discussion, John Musker, the co-director of the beloved 1989 animated *The Little Mermaid*, voiced his disappointment with the live-action remake. He specifically criticized the film for a perceived lack of "heartfelt storytelling" and an over-reliance on visual effects, suggesting that the film prioritized spectacle over the emotional core of the original narrative.
CGI and Story Changes
Critics and audiences were divided over the visual style. While the performances of the human cast, including Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric and Melissa McCarthy as Ursula, were generally praised, the photorealistic CGI used for the underwater animals (Flounder, Sebastian) and the murky aesthetic of the ocean scenes were often found to be underwhelming or lacking the vibrancy of the animated classic. Furthermore, the slight story changes—such as giving Ariel's character more agency and altering the motives of Prince Eric—were met with mixed reactions, with some finding them unnecessary while others appreciated the modern updates.
What Lies Beneath: Sequel Rumors and Disney's Future Plans
Despite the mixed critical and financial analysis, the high cultural impact and strong performance of its lead star have fueled persistent rumors and discussions about a potential follow-up, suggesting Disney is not ready to abandon the world of Atlantica.
The Sequel Conversation
As of 2025, there has been no official greenlight for a direct sequel, such as *The Little Mermaid 2* (based on the animated sequel *Return to the Sea*). However, the conversation is very much alive. Jonah Hauer-King, who played Prince Eric, has publicly expressed his enthusiasm and desire to return for a sequel, indicating the cast is open to continuing the story.
Disney's Commitment to Halle Bailey
Perhaps the strongest indication of a continuing franchise is Disney's reported commitment to Halle Bailey. Insider reports from late 2024 and early 2025 suggest that The Walt Disney Company is eager to work with Bailey on another major project, which could be a sequel, a spin-off, or an entirely new Disney property. While direct spin-off ideas have reportedly been "axed," the studio's desire to maintain a relationship with its breakout star keeps the *Little Mermaid* universe on the table.
The Fan-Made Hype
The public interest is so high that fan-made concept trailers for a 2026 live-action sequel, often featuring Halle Bailey and Jonah Hauer-King, have gone viral online. This organic demand from the audience is a significant factor Disney will consider when evaluating the long-term viability of the franchise, especially as the film continues to stream successfully.
In conclusion, the live-action *Little Mermaid* is a film defined by duality: a critical success for its star yet a financial risk due to its budget; a beacon of representation yet a target of intense backlash; and a visually complex film that drew criticism from the original's creator. Its legacy is not just in its box office numbers but in its undeniable cultural footprint, which continues to drive discussions and fervent hope for a return to the sea in the years to come.
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