The Little Mermaid makes a splash in the live-action remake and dominates the Memorial Day box office

"The Little Mermaid" makes a dazzling return to the big screen, earning a projected $118 million, ranking 5th in Memorial Day box office history.

ITDC INDIA E PRESS /ITDC NEWS :  The Little Mermaid movie revieThe Little Mermaid" makes a stunning live-action comeback, ruling the Memorial Day box office with a projected $118 million debut.w: Halle Bailey stars as Ariel in the new live-action film.

Thirty-five years after captivating audiences with the animated tale of Ariel, the flame-haired siren of the sea, "The Little Mermaid" returns to the big screen in a live-action remake that dominated the Memorial Day weekend box office. The Disney release is set to make a massive splash, projected to debut with an impressive $118 million over the four-day holiday period, with $96 million of that coming in over the three-day frame. This achievement cements its place as the fifth-highest Memorial Day opening in history.

The film drew in fans from multiple generations, including those who fell in love with Ariel during her original animated adventure in 1988, as well as younger audiences who have grown up watching the movie through various mediums such as DVDs, television, and streaming services.

"'The Little Mermaid' is a classic," said Tony Chambers, Disney's head of distribution. "For many people of my age, along with 'Beauty and the Beast,' it holds a special place as their favorite animated movie. It transports them back to their childhood, and this live-action remake provides the perfect opportunity for them to pass on that love to the next generation."

Directed by Rob Marshall, the live-action "Little Mermaid" showcases Halle Bailey in the titular role of Ariel, with Melissa McCarthy portraying the malevolent sea witch Ursula. The film boasts an ensemble cast that includes Javier Bardem, Awkwafina, Jacob Tremblay, and Daveed Diggs. The breathtaking visuals of Ariel's underwater world required a massive amount of CGI, truly bringing the ocean home to life.

The production of "The Little Mermaid" came with a hefty price tag of $250 million, making its global success vital for financial success. Internationally, the film has already grossed an impressive $68.3 million from 51 markets.

Breaking down the domestic audience demographics, 68% of moviegoers were female, while 25% fell into the 25 to 34 age range. Children accounted for 22% of the opening weekend crowds, showcasing the film's broad appeal across different demographics.