Bailey’s performance of “Part of Your World” in Disney’s live-action adaptation of “The Little Mermaid” on “American Idol” may not have made a splash in certain Asian movie markets like China and South Korea. However, in the Philippines, where music holds a special place in the hearts of the people, the film has exceeded expectations and become the country’s biggest blockbuster of the year. The Hollywood Reporter has recognized this remarkable achievement in a feature article dated June 22. According to John Hsu, a senior vice president at Disney in the Asia Pacific, the Philippines is now the third highest-grossing market for “The Little Mermaid” in the region, following behind Australia and Japan. The film has earned $5.8 million (around P322 million) at the Philippine box office, surpassing the earnings of “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” and “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.” This accomplishment is notable considering the significant changes in the movie-viewing landscape due to the pandemic. Despite premiering in local theaters on May 24, “The Little Mermaid” is still being shown in major cineplexes across the country. Vineet Puri, managing director of The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia, attributes the strong box office performance to the film’s young demographic, Filipinos’ love for music and the original 1989 film, and the social buzz surrounding it. He explains that a large portion of the Philippine population consists of young people who grew up watching and listening to Disney and “The Little Mermaid,” making this live-action version highly anticipated by a new generation of Disney fans. Additionally, the film’s music is a key factor in drawing audiences, as seen in the success of previous live-action Disney remakes like “Aladdin” and “Beauty and the Beast.” Filipino fans’ love for the “Part of Your World” soundtrack was evident by its popularity on Spotify Philippines, with over 13 million streams as of June 15. Puri mentions that the excitement, nostalgia, and praise for Halle Bailey’s voice created a buzz on social media, with fans enthusiastically supporting the film and defending Bailey against backlash. Puri believes that the success of “The Little Mermaid” in provincial areas of the Philippines demonstrates the eagerness of Filipino fans to experience the film in theaters, rather than waiting for it to be available on streaming platforms. He credits the film’s social momentum and positive word-of-mouth for its box office success. Overall, Disney’s strong brand presence in the Philippines, coupled with the nostalgia and love for well-loved classics, contributes to the success of live-action remakes. Puri emphasizes Disney’s commitment to engaging with Filipino audiences and finding new ways to deliver iconic storytelling to both new and younger generations. Future titles like “Haunted Mansion,” “A Haunting in Venice,” “The Creator,” “The Marvels,” and “Wish” will continue to surprise and delight Filipino fans.
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