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Aladdin star Mena Massoud, took to Twitter to respond to a tweet regarding The Little Mermaid’s box office earnings compared to Aladdin. Since the tweet, Mena has received major backlash and has now removed his Twitter account altogether.
“It’s not always dandelions and roses”
The Egyptian Actor, aged 31, responded to a tweet by The Hollywood Handle that said:
‘The Little Mermaid is tracking to $115 million on its domestic box office opening weekend. The account adds that in comparison, Aladdin earnt $112 million on its opening weekend.’
‘THE LITTLE MERMAID’ is tracking to earn $115M on its domestic box office opening weekend.
— The Hollywood Handle (@hollywoodhandle) May 12, 2023
In comparison, ‘ALADDIN’ earned $112M on its opening. pic.twitter.com/vpIoYcYcQ2
In response to this tweet, Mena defended the hit Disney film Aladdin in a now-deleted tweet saying:
‘Our film was unique in that audiences went to watch it multiple times. It’s the only way we reached the billion-dollar mark with our opening. My guess is [The Little Mermaid] doesn’t cross the billion mark but will undoubtedly get a sequel.
His response caused mixed reviews. Some said “I loved Aladdin and literally on top five of my most fave Disney remakes.
Being pessimistic about a movie that hasn’t been out yet but praised by critics is just disappointing. I’m so disappointed in you.”
Others agreed with Mena saying “Aladdin went on to be a billion dollar film…”
Mena Massoud has already once before been in the spotlight talking about movie making after Aladdin. He responded to the DailyBeast saying:
“I want people to know that it’s not always dandelions and roses when you’re doing something like Aladdin.
‘He must have made millions. He must be getting all these offers’.
“It’s none of those things. I haven’t had a single audition since Aladdin came out.”
Halle Bailey Plays Ariel
Halle Bailey who plays the protagonist Ariel has already received some criticism directly for being an “unconventional” mermaid. Many argue that Halle does not match the book and fantasy animated film of The Little Mermaid with pale skin, red hair, and blue eyes.
The racist backlash over increased diversity has caused much controversy online, however, it has also sparked a lot of positivity.
Celebrating All Princesses
One video that was shared over social media showed young black children reacting to seeing Halle Bailey as a Disney Princess.
As children grow up, what they see has a huge impact on their upbringing and therefore this heartwarming video and response to The Little Mermaid is beautiful.
The Little Mermaid will be out in cinemas on the 25th of May 2023.
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