Warner Bros.' The Flash&nbsp;sprinted to the top of Nor.th American box offices in its opening weekend, in a Friday-to-Sunday run dominated by spin-offs and sequels.

But the live-action take on the DC Comics superhero only brought in $55.1 million, according to figures released Sunday by Exhibitor Relations -- earnings that analysts said were "far below estimates" for its debut.

Ezra Miller stars as the speedy protagonist, joined by other DC characters including Supergirl and Batman. It dethroned the latest Transformers instalment, from Paramount, which was last weekend's top earner.

Notching the number two spot this weekend was Elemental,&nbsp;an animated immigrant fable from Pixar, which earned $29.5 million in what was also its opening weekend. 
 
Pixar's first totally original new film to hit theatres since the start of the pandemic is set in the fantastical Element City -- where residents made out of fire, water, earth and air must learn to live in close proximity, despite their highly combustible differences.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-the-flash-movie-review-ezra-millers-dc-movie-is-a-worthwhile-adventure-despite-hiccups-604172">The Flash Review: Ezra Miller zooms past hiccups in this DC adventure</a>

Out of the top five highest-earning films this weekend, the rest were rounded out by movies with characters already familiar to generations of audiences.

Sony's Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse&nbsp;picked up $27.8 million, bringing its cumulative domestic total to more than $280 million so far, with an additional $209 million internationally.

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The film, a sequel to 2018's Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse&nbsp;and the latest spin on the Marvel Comics superhero, picks up the story of half-Black, half-Latino Miles Morales, using an eye-popping blend of decades-old 2D comic book drawing techniques with the latest computer-generated visual effects. 
 
Dropping to fourth place was Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, which earned $20 million, part of a $103.6 million haul so far.

Disney's The Little Mermaid,&nbsp;a live-action remake of its 1989 animated tale of an underwater princess who gives up her voice in pursuit of true love, brought in $11.6 million. It has now earned some $253.5 million.

Rounding out the top 10 were:&nbsp;

The Blackening&nbsp;($6 million)

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3&nbsp;($5 million)

The Boogeyman&nbsp;($3.8 million)

Fast X&nbsp;($1.6 million)

Asteroid City&nbsp;(limited release, $790,000)

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Warner Bros.' The Flash sprinted to the top of Nor.th American box offices in its opening weekend, in a Friday-to-Sunday run dominated by spin-offs and sequels. But the live-action take on the DC Comics superhero only brought in $55.

Warner Bros.' The Flash sprinted to the top of Nor.th American box offices in its opening weekend, in a Friday-to-Sunday run dominated by spin-offs and sequels. But the live-action take on the DC Comics superhero only brought in $55.1 million, according to figures released Sunday by Exhibitor Relations -- earnings that analysts said were "far below estimates" for its debut. Ezra Miller stars as the speedy protagonist, joined by other DC characters including Supergirl and Batman. It dethroned the latest Transformers instalment, from Paramount, which was last weekend's top earner. Notching the number two spot this weekend was Elemental, an animated immigrant fable from Pixar, which earned $29.5 million in what was also its opening weekend. Pixar's first totally original new film to hit theatres since the start of the pandemic is set in the fantastical Element City -- where residents made out of fire, water, earth and air must learn to live in close proximity, despite their highly combustible differences. Also read: The Flash Review: Ezra Miller zooms past hiccups in this DC adventure Out of the top five highest-earning films this weekend, the rest were rounded out by movies with characters already familiar to generations of audiences. Sony's Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse picked up $27.8 million, bringing its cumulative domestic total to more than $280 million so far, with an additional $209 million internationally. The film, a sequel to 2018's Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and the latest spin on the Marvel Comics superhero, picks up the story of half-Black, half-Latino Miles Morales, using an eye-popping blend of decades-old 2D comic book drawing techniques with the latest computer-generated visual effects. Dropping to fourth place was Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, which earned $20 million, part of a $103.6 million haul so far. Disney's The Little Mermaid, a live-action remake of its 1989 animated tale of an underwater princess who gives up her voice in pursuit of true love, brought in $11.6 million. It has now earned some $253.5 million. Rounding out the top 10 were: The Blackening ($6 million) Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 ($5 million) The Boogeyman ($3.8 million) Fast X ($1.6 million) Asteroid City (limited release, $790,000)

The Flash dashes to box office win but stumbles short of estimates

Disney's live-action version of The Little Mermaid&nbsp;netted the top spot at North American box offices on its opening weekend, over the United States' Memorial Day holiday, industry watcher Exhibitor Relations reported Sunday.

The remake of the 1989 animated tale of an underwater princess who gives up her voice in pursuit of true love on land, starring pop singer Halle Bailey and Melissa McCarthy, raked in $117.5 million in US and Canadian box offices and another $68 million internationally, Exhibitor Relations said.

Despite the number one spot, analyst David A. Gross pointed out that the aquatic adventure's debut does not represent the biggest opening weekend for a live-action Disney adaptation.&nbsp;

He recalled that 2019's The Lion King&nbsp;and 2017's Beauty and the Beast&nbsp;earned $191.8 million and $174.8 million respectively, over their opening weekends.&nbsp;

"During the last dozen years, Disney has built live-action remakes into a powerhouse phenomenon," Gross wrote in the FranchiseRe newsletter.&nbsp;

Still, Ariel and friends were able to bump last week's number one feature Fast-X&nbsp;down to a distant number two, with Universal's action film pulling in only $29.5 million in the Friday to Monday period.&nbsp;

That's less than half of what the movie, part of the Fast &amp; Furious&nbsp;franchise starring Vin Diesel, made during its opening weekend last week.&nbsp;

Disney's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3&nbsp;and Universal's The Super Mario Bros Movie&nbsp;were also knocked down one spot each from last weekend to take third and fourth places, making $25.3 million and $7.7 million.

In fifth place was Sony's new action comedy The Machine, which earned $5.8 million and is based on US comedian Bert Kreischer's stand-up routine.&nbsp;

Rounding out the top 10 were:

About My Father&nbsp;($5.3 million)

Kandahar ($3 million)

You Hurt My Feelings&nbsp;($1.8 million)

Evil Dead Rise&nbsp;($1.2 million)

Book Club: The Next Chapter&nbsp;($1.2 million)

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Disney's live-action version of The Little Mermaid netted the top spot at North American box offices on its opening weekend, over the United States' Memorial Day holiday, industry watcher Exhibitor Relations reported Sunday.

Disney's live-action version of The Little Mermaid netted the top spot at North American box offices on its opening weekend, over the United States' Memorial Day holiday, industry watcher Exhibitor Relations reported Sunday. The remake of the 1989 animated tale of an underwater princess who gives up her voice in pursuit of true love on land, starring pop singer Halle Bailey and Melissa McCarthy, raked in $117.5 million in US and Canadian box offices and another $68 million internationally, Exhibitor Relations said. Despite the number one spot, analyst David A. Gross pointed out that the aquatic adventure's debut does not represent the biggest opening weekend for a live-action Disney adaptation. He recalled that 2019's The Lion King and 2017's Beauty and the Beast earned $191.8 million and $174.8 million respectively, over their opening weekends. "During the last dozen years, Disney has built live-action remakes into a powerhouse phenomenon," Gross wrote in the FranchiseRe newsletter. Still, Ariel and friends were able to bump last week's number one feature Fast-X down to a distant number two, with Universal's action film pulling in only $29.5 million in the Friday to Monday period. That's less than half of what the movie, part of the Fast & Furious franchise starring Vin Diesel, made during its opening weekend last week. Disney's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and Universal's The Super Mario Bros Movie were also knocked down one spot each from last weekend to take third and fourth places, making $25.3 million and $7.7 million. In fifth place was Sony's new action comedy The Machine, which earned $5.8 million and is based on US comedian Bert Kreischer's stand-up routine. Rounding out the top 10 were: About My Father ($5.3 million) Kandahar ($3 million) You Hurt My Feelings ($1.8 million) Evil Dead Rise ($1.2 million) Book Club: The Next Chapter ($1.2 million) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Live-action Little Mermaid debut makes box office waves

Once upon a time, in the corporate kingdom of Disney, a trend emerged that aimed to redo animated classics in live-action. However, upon closer inspection, the futility of this endeavour reveals itself, like a fairy godmother's pumpkin carriage turning back into a humble vegetable. In the realm of animation, the artists' brushes create a world where imagination knows no bounds. Talking animals, singing teapots, and magical spells effortlessly transport us into realms uncharted. But when the magic is transposed into live-action, the result can be as underwhelming as a prince who forgets the royal ball's address. The very essence of animation lies in its ability to transcend reality's constraints. In the hands of talented animators and artists, anthropomorphic creatures and fantastical settings flourish, making us believe in a world beyond our own.&nbsp;

Yet, when the boundaries of reality are imposed upon these ethereal tales, the results can be as awkward as a fish out of water attempting ballet.

All this to say: you have my permission not to watch Disney's live-action remake of The Little Mermaid. While the original dazzled with its beautifully imaginative underwater kingdom, talking sea creatures, and soundtrack brimming with enchanting melodies, Rob Marshall's remake is a soulless cash grab (I suspect it is not going to grab a lot of cash, either) utterly devoid of any hint of charm of visual whimsy. Instead of vivid colours, here you have drab greys. Even the green and blue of Ariel's getup are so washed out that it looks as if she emerged from a muddy puddle rather than a freaking ocean.

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<h2>The Little Mermaid story</h2>

The story is pretty much the same. This is where the movie could have actually done something worthwhile and different. There was an opportunity to reimagine the narrative with a fresh perspective and address certain aspects that could benefit from a contemporary lens. But here, the remake is slavishly faithful to the original.

It follows the story of Ariel Halle Bailey), a mermaid princess, yearns to explore the human world despite the command of her her father Triton, the Sea King (Javier Bardem). She rescues human Prince Eric (Jonah Hauer-King) from a shipwreck and falls in love with him. To explore the human world, she strikes a deal with the sea witch Ursula (Melissa McCarthy) to become human for three days and win Eric's love.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-fast-x-movie-review-jason-momoa-is-the-only-reason-to-see-this-movie-593648">Fast X </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-fast-x-movie-review-jason-momoa-is-the-only-reason-to-see-this-movie-593648">movie review: Jason Momoa is the only reason to see this movie</a>

<h2>So... The Little Mermaid isn't worth watching?</h2>

No, The Little Mermaid is not worth watching. It is a deeply cynical attempt to capitalise on nostalgia, aiming to squeeze every last drop of profit from a cherished tale without investing the effort to honour its essence. This is a corporate product, through and through. It lacks the heart, the imagination, and the artistic vision that breathed life into the animated classic.&nbsp;

Also, these films, the Disney live-action remakes, are always made by filmmakers who fail to instill any personality to the narrative, and more often than not try to redo the film almost frame-by-frame. The result, like The Little Mermaid here, is always a pale imitation.

Still, I hazard there are people, particularly young kids, who will enjoy this thing. And that is fine. But even they will be better served by re-watching or watching the animated original.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpGo2_d3oYE" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

<h2>Performances are good, but not good enough</h2>

The cast, led by the talented Halle Bailey as Ariel, delivers decent enough performances. Bailey is truly good, and it is a shame that her first big break is this leaden remake. McCarthy is delightful and very well-cast in the villainous role.&nbsp;

<h2>Verdict</h2>

The Little Mermaid is a missed opportunity. I would have called it harmless, if not for the sheer lack of creativity at display here.

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Once upon a time, in the corporate kingdom of Disney, a trend emerged that aimed to redo animated classics in live-action. However, upon closer inspection, the futility of this endeavour reveals itself, like a fairy godmother's pumpkin carriage turning back into a humble vegetable.

Once upon a time, in the corporate kingdom of Disney, a trend emerged that aimed to redo animated classics in live-action. However, upon closer inspection, the futility of this endeavour reveals itself, like a fairy godmother's pumpkin carriage turning back into a humble vegetable. In the realm of animation, the artists' brushes create a world where imagination knows no bounds. Talking animals, singing teapots, and magical spells effortlessly transport us into realms uncharted. But when the magic is transposed into live-action, the result can be as underwhelming as a prince who forgets the royal ball's address. The very essence of animation lies in its ability to transcend reality's constraints. In the hands of talented animators and artists, anthropomorphic creatures and fantastical settings flourish, making us believe in a world beyond our own. Yet, when the boundaries of reality are imposed upon these ethereal tales, the results can be as awkward as a fish out of water attempting ballet. All this to say: you have my permission not to watch Disney's live-action remake of The Little Mermaid. While the original dazzled with its beautifully imaginative underwater kingdom, talking sea creatures, and soundtrack brimming with enchanting melodies, Rob Marshall's remake is a soulless cash grab (I suspect it is not going to grab a lot of cash, either) utterly devoid of any hint of charm of visual whimsy. Instead of vivid colours, here you have drab greys. Even the green and blue of Ariel's getup are so washed out that it looks as if she emerged from a muddy puddle rather than a freaking ocean. The Little Mermaid story The story is pretty much the same. This is where the movie could have actually done something worthwhile and different. There was an opportunity to reimagine the narrative with a fresh perspective and address certain aspects that could benefit from a contemporary lens. But here, the remake is slavishly faithful to the original. It follows the story of Ariel Halle Bailey), a mermaid princess, yearns to explore the human world despite the command of her her father Triton, the Sea King (Javier Bardem). She rescues human Prince Eric (Jonah Hauer-King) from a shipwreck and falls in love with him. To explore the human world, she strikes a deal with the sea witch Ursula (Melissa McCarthy) to become human for three days and win Eric's love. Also Read: Fast X movie review: Jason Momoa is the only reason to see this movie So... The Little Mermaid isn't worth watching? No, The Little Mermaid is not worth watching. It is a deeply cynical attempt to capitalise on nostalgia, aiming to squeeze every last drop of profit from a cherished tale without investing the effort to honour its essence. This is a corporate product, through and through. It lacks the heart, the imagination, and the artistic vision that breathed life into the animated classic. Also, these films, the Disney live-action remakes, are always made by filmmakers who fail to instill any personality to the narrative, and more often than not try to redo the film almost frame-by-frame. The result, like The Little Mermaid here, is always a pale imitation. Still, I hazard there are people, particularly young kids, who will enjoy this thing. And that is fine. But even they will be better served by re-watching or watching the animated original. Performances are good, but not good enough The cast, led by the talented Halle Bailey as Ariel, delivers decent enough performances. Bailey is truly good, and it is a shame that her first big break is this leaden remake. McCarthy is delightful and very well-cast in the villainous role. Verdict The Little Mermaid is a missed opportunity. I would have called it harmless, if not for the sheer lack of creativity at display here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

The Little Mermaid review: Disney's live-action remake fails to make a splash

The Little Mermaid statue, which is one of the most notable landmarks in Copenhagen, Denmark, was vandalised with colours of the Russian flag painted across its base.

On Thursday night, the colours of the Russian flag - white, blue and red - were daubed on the rock on which the heroine's statue from Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytale rests.

Copenhagen police stated that they visited the scene and “a case of vandalism” was recorded and now they were making attempts to find “traces” in the area.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-likely-to-run-out-of-money-next-year-claims-oligarch-oleg-deripaska-567969">Russia likely to run out of money next year, claims oligarch Oleg Deripaska</a>

The police have started investigating the act of vandalism which is being seen as an expression of support for Russia's war against Ukraine.

The vandalised statue was photographed by a few puzzled tourists on Thursday morning.

The Little Mermaid statue, which has taken inspiration from a character of the same name in the Danish author Hans Christian &nbsp;Andersen’s 1837 fairytale, weighs 175kg (385lb) and has been sculpted by Edvard Eriksen.

According to Andersen's tale, the mermaid, who is the daughter of a mythical sea king, falls in love with a prince and wishes to become human.

WATCH | Russia: Don't ignore new territorial realities

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The statue, which is kept in Langelinie's relatively secluded harbour in Copenhagen, has been vandalised several times. In 1964, the mermaid’s head was stolen, and her arm was removed in 1984. In 1998, her head was again removed by vandals, but it was returned later, before getting blown off her perch in 2003. &nbsp;

The statue has been painted several times, most recently in 2020, when a mysterious inscription of a “racist fish” was added to it.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Little Mermaid statue, which is one of the most notable landmarks in Copenhagen, Denmark, was vandalised with colours of the Russian flag painted across its base.

The Little Mermaid statue, which is one of the most notable landmarks in Copenhagen, Denmark, was vandalised with colours of the Russian flag painted across its base. On Thursday night, the colours of the Russian flag - white, blue and red - were daubed on the rock on which the heroine's statue from Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytale rests. Copenhagen police stated that they visited the scene and “a case of vandalism” was recorded and now they were making attempts to find “traces” in the area. ALSO READ | Russia likely to run out of money next year, claims oligarch Oleg Deripaska The police have started investigating the act of vandalism which is being seen as an expression of support for Russia's war against Ukraine. The vandalised statue was photographed by a few puzzled tourists on Thursday morning. The Little Mermaid statue, which has taken inspiration from a character of the same name in the Danish author Hans Christian Andersen’s 1837 fairytale, weighs 175kg (385lb) and has been sculpted by Edvard Eriksen. According to Andersen's tale, the mermaid, who is the daughter of a mythical sea king, falls in love with a prince and wishes to become human. WATCH | Russia: Don't ignore new territorial realities The statue, which is kept in Langelinie's relatively secluded harbour in Copenhagen, has been vandalised several times. In 1964, the mermaid’s head was stolen, and her arm was removed in 1984. In 1998, her head was again removed by vandals, but it was returned later, before getting blown off her perch in 2003. The statue has been painted several times, most recently in 2020, when a mysterious inscription of a “racist fish” was added to it. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Little Mermaid vandalised with Russian flag's colours in Denmark

The Andaman Islands' archipelago has yielded a new species of plant. Indian biologists discovered the marine green algae during a visit to the island in 2019.

Researchers from the Punjab Central University have named the species Acetabularia jalakanyakae. After nearly four decades, a new species of algae has been discovered on the islands.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volcanic-eruption-under-sea-creates-new-crescent-shaped-island-in-japan-406290" hreflang="en">Volcanic eruption under sea creates new crescent-shaped island in Japan</a>

According to the scientists, the name "Jalakanyaka" which means mermaid in Sanskrit, is a reference to the story of Little Mermaid by Danish writer Hans Christian Anderson.&nbsp;

The scientists confirmed that they had discovered this species for the first time after nearly two years of the laborious identification process.

Over 18 months, the researchers sequenced the plant DNA and compared its form with that of other plants.

Dr Felix Bast, who led the study, said the newly discovered species is stunning. Its caps appear to be umbrellas of mermaids.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/researchers-calculate-constant-pi-to-a-new-record-628tn-figures-406286" hreflang="en">Researchers calculate&nbsp;constant&nbsp;pi to&nbsp;a&nbsp;new record 62.8tn figures</a>

The plant consists of a single gigantic cell with a nucleus, which is its main characteristic. This discovery was described in an article in the Indian Journal of Geo-Marine Sciences.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands contain some of the world's last healthy coral reefs, as well as a rich diversity of other organisms and algae.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The looming threat of climate change, as well as higher seawater temperatures and acidifying oceans, poses major stress to these ecosystems.

As per Dr Bast, seawater temperatures are rising, leading to a decrease in oxygen concentration in the water, a consequence dangerous to everything that needs oxygen to survive, including this species.

The Andaman Islands' archipelago has yielded a new species of plant. Indian biologists discovered the marine green algae during a visit to the island in 2019. Researchers from the Punjab Central University have named the species Acetabularia jalakanyakae.

The Andaman Islands' archipelago has yielded a new species of plant. Indian biologists discovered the marine green algae during a visit to the island in 2019. Researchers from the Punjab Central University have named the species Acetabularia jalakanyakae. After nearly four decades, a new species of algae has been discovered on the islands. Also read | Volcanic eruption under sea creates new crescent-shaped island in Japan According to the scientists, the name "Jalakanyaka" which means mermaid in Sanskrit, is a reference to the story of Little Mermaid by Danish writer Hans Christian Anderson. The scientists confirmed that they had discovered this species for the first time after nearly two years of the laborious identification process. Over 18 months, the researchers sequenced the plant DNA and compared its form with that of other plants. Dr Felix Bast, who led the study, said the newly discovered species is stunning. Its caps appear to be umbrellas of mermaids. Also read | Researchers calculate constant pi to a new record 62.8tn figures The plant consists of a single gigantic cell with a nucleus, which is its main characteristic. This discovery was described in an article in the Indian Journal of Geo-Marine Sciences. Andaman and Nicobar Islands contain some of the world's last healthy coral reefs, as well as a rich diversity of other organisms and algae. The looming threat of climate change, as well as higher seawater temperatures and acidifying oceans, poses major stress to these ecosystems. As per Dr Bast, seawater temperatures are rising, leading to a decrease in oxygen concentration in the water, a consequence dangerous to everything that needs oxygen to survive, including this species.

A 'mermaid' species of algae discovered on Andaman and Nicobar islands

The statue of the 'Little Mermaid'&nbsp;on&nbsp;the entrance to Copenhagen harbour has been daubed with the words “racist fish”&nbsp;scrawled across the base

The 107-year-old&nbsp;bronze statue honours&nbsp;the famous fairy tale of Hans Christian Andersen's that perches on a rock in the sea off a pier in Copenhagen.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-mountain-range-named-after-belgiums-king-leopold-ii-re-christened-310460" hreflang="en">Australian mountain range named after Belgium's King Leopold II re-christened</a>

Police said it had not yet identified the perpetrators. The sculpture&nbsp;designed by the sculptor Edvard Eriksen and modelled on his wife, Eline,&nbsp;is visited by one million tourists each year.

It has been vandalised several times before, by protesters, ranging from pro-democracy activists to anti-whaling campaigners,&nbsp;twice suffering decapitation.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/im-pro-heritage-pm-boris-johnson-against-oxfords-decision-to-remove-rhodes-statue-310375" hreflang="en">'I’m pro-heritage': PM Boris Johnson against Oxford's decision to remove Rhodes statue</a>

"We consider it vandalism and have started an investigation," a spokesman for the Copenhagen police said.

Protesters of the Black Lives Matter movement around the world have in recent months rallied against statues of historical figures who played a role in racist oppression, such as slave traders and colonialists.

The&nbsp;Little&nbsp;Mermaid&nbsp;has not been part of this debate but last year a Disney live action remake of the 1989 animated film of the same name was the subject of a controversy after African American actress Halle Bailey was cast in the central role.

"I am having a hard time seeing what is particularly racist in the fairy tale "The&nbsp;Little&nbsp;Mermaid," Ane Grum-Schwensen, researcher at the H.C. Andersen Center at University of Southern Denmark, told local news wire Ritzau.

The statue of the 'Little Mermaid' on the entrance to Copenhagen harbour has been daubed with the words “racist fish” scrawled across the base The 107-year-old bronze statue honours the famous fairy tale of Hans Christian Andersen's that perches on a rock in the sea off a pier in Copenhagen.

The statue of the 'Little Mermaid' on the entrance to Copenhagen harbour has been daubed with the words “racist fish” scrawled across the base The 107-year-old bronze statue honours the famous fairy tale of Hans Christian Andersen's that perches on a rock in the sea off a pier in Copenhagen. Also read: Australian mountain range named after Belgium's King Leopold II re-christened Police said it had not yet identified the perpetrators. The sculpture designed by the sculptor Edvard Eriksen and modelled on his wife, Eline, is visited by one million tourists each year. It has been vandalised several times before, by protesters, ranging from pro-democracy activists to anti-whaling campaigners, twice suffering decapitation. Also read: 'I’m pro-heritage': PM Boris Johnson against Oxford's decision to remove Rhodes statue "We consider it vandalism and have started an investigation," a spokesman for the Copenhagen police said. Protesters of the Black Lives Matter movement around the world have in recent months rallied against statues of historical figures who played a role in racist oppression, such as slave traders and colonialists. The Little Mermaid has not been part of this debate but last year a Disney live action remake of the 1989 animated film of the same name was the subject of a controversy after African American actress Halle Bailey was cast in the central role. "I am having a hard time seeing what is particularly racist in the fairy tale "The Little Mermaid," Ane Grum-Schwensen, researcher at the H.C. Andersen Center at University of Southern Denmark, told local news wire Ritzau.

Denmark: Little Mermaid statue vandalised; branded 'racist fish' in graffiti attack

Javier Bardem is deep in talks to play King Triton in 'The Little Mermaid'&nbsp;-- but the Spanish actor has already gone under the sea for his new ocean documentary premiering at the Toronto film festival.

In 'Sanctuary,'&nbsp;cameras follow Javier and his brother Carlos to Antarctica as they learn about -- and drum up support for -- Greenpeace's campaign to save the southern ocean from human activity.

At one point a visibly alarmed Bardem clambers into a tiny two-man submarine to scoop samples of specimens damaged by climate change and fishing trawlers from the sea bed.

"Thank God I'm not claustrophobic ... it's like a Kinder Egg!" he told AFP in Toronto. "But I was in safe hands."

The Oscar-winning actor says he was raised by his mother to "always speak out on what you think is right, no matter what you do as a job," and in recent years that has meant taking up environmental causes.

He addressed the United Nations in New York last month, telling governments the "world is watching" efforts to create a global ocean treaty, and warning that "we can't afford to get it wrong."

But he would also like to see Hollywood doing more with its "potential reach of millions of people" to foster change.

In recent talks with Rob Marshall for Disney's live-action remake of 'Little Mermaid,'&nbsp;Bardem says he urged the director to add environmental messages to the film.

"You have to take advantage of this amazing, beautiful story written by (Hans Christian) Andersen and bring the pollution of the oceans into it," said Bardem.&nbsp;

"You can reach millions and millions of younger generations ... that is something movies like this could and should do."

Marshall was "very open to it," according to Bardem -- but convincing a certain giant corporation might be another matter.

"This is a big machinery. He's not an auteur director who has his own little movie where he can have every decision -- this is Disney."

- 'Daddy will be a hero' -

Bardem -- who won an Academy Award for 2007's 'No Country for Old Men'&nbsp;-- admits this is not his only motivation for signing up for 'Little Mermaid.'&nbsp;He and wife Penelope Cruz have two children including a six-year-old daughter.

"I will immediately become her hero forever," he joked. "Daddy will be a hero! Just for that, it's worth it."

But becoming a parent has also hardened his resolve to take up the cause.

"Once you have a child, you become a father of every child in the world. I know it sounds very cheesy, but it's true," he said.

"They will be 18 or 20 years old and they will turn to us and they will say 'Shame on you. You knew -- what did you do about it?'"

For Bardem, that is partly choosing roles with important messages.

In his upcoming film "Dune," Bardem plays the leader of the last surviving tribe on a planet whose ecosystem has collapsed, forced to recycle saliva, sweat and urine to endure the heat.&nbsp;

"That can be a reality in 20 years," he said.

Admittedly it is harder to find an ecological reason for signing up to play Frankenstein's monster in a suspended Universal project -- "No, I guess he's not vegan," joked Bardem.

- 'I was angry' -

But the 'Sanctuary'&nbsp;documentary represents a more direct action, in which Bardem met with politicians and broadcast live from the Antarctic in a bid to drum up 1.8 million signatures for a protected zone in the southern ocean -- one for every square kilometre.

All eyes are now on more ambitious plans for a global network of sanctuaries being discussed at the United Nations.

Bardem hailed the work of activist Greta Thunberg and schoolchildren going on strike for climate change around the world as "huge," and certain to worry politicians.

However, his own experience at the UN on a panel packed with top climate scientists left it clear how far there is to go.

"I was angry because more than half of the room was empty. That is a bad start," he said.

"This should be the first thing on everyone's agenda -- it affects us all."

Javier Bardem is deep in talks to play King Triton in 'The Little Mermaid' -- but the Spanish actor has already gone under the sea for his new ocean documentary premiering at the Toronto film festival.

Javier Bardem is deep in talks to play King Triton in 'The Little Mermaid' -- but the Spanish actor has already gone under the sea for his new ocean documentary premiering at the Toronto film festival. In 'Sanctuary,' cameras follow Javier and his brother Carlos to Antarctica as they learn about -- and drum up support for -- Greenpeace's campaign to save the southern ocean from human activity. At one point a visibly alarmed Bardem clambers into a tiny two-man submarine to scoop samples of specimens damaged by climate change and fishing trawlers from the sea bed. "Thank God I'm not claustrophobic ... it's like a Kinder Egg!" he told AFP in Toronto. "But I was in safe hands." The Oscar-winning actor says he was raised by his mother to "always speak out on what you think is right, no matter what you do as a job," and in recent years that has meant taking up environmental causes. He addressed the United Nations in New York last month, telling governments the "world is watching" efforts to create a global ocean treaty, and warning that "we can't afford to get it wrong." But he would also like to see Hollywood doing more with its "potential reach of millions of people" to foster change. In recent talks with Rob Marshall for Disney's live-action remake of 'Little Mermaid,' Bardem says he urged the director to add environmental messages to the film. "You have to take advantage of this amazing, beautiful story written by (Hans Christian) Andersen and bring the pollution of the oceans into it," said Bardem. "You can reach millions and millions of younger generations ... that is something movies like this could and should do." Marshall was "very open to it," according to Bardem -- but convincing a certain giant corporation might be another matter. "This is a big machinery. He's not an auteur director who has his own little movie where he can have every decision -- this is Disney." - 'Daddy will be a hero' - Bardem -- who won an Academy Award for 2007's 'No Country for Old Men' -- admits this is not his only motivation for signing up for 'Little Mermaid.' He and wife Penelope Cruz have two children including a six-year-old daughter. "I will immediately become her hero forever," he joked. "Daddy will be a hero! Just for that, it's worth it." But becoming a parent has also hardened his resolve to take up the cause. "Once you have a child, you become a father of every child in the world. I know it sounds very cheesy, but it's true," he said. "They will be 18 or 20 years old and they will turn to us and they will say 'Shame on you. You knew -- what did you do about it?'" For Bardem, that is partly choosing roles with important messages. In his upcoming film "Dune," Bardem plays the leader of the last surviving tribe on a planet whose ecosystem has collapsed, forced to recycle saliva, sweat and urine to endure the heat. "That can be a reality in 20 years," he said. Admittedly it is harder to find an ecological reason for signing up to play Frankenstein's monster in a suspended Universal project -- "No, I guess he's not vegan," joked Bardem. - 'I was angry' - But the 'Sanctuary' documentary represents a more direct action, in which Bardem met with politicians and broadcast live from the Antarctic in a bid to drum up 1.8 million signatures for a protected zone in the southern ocean -- one for every square kilometre. All eyes are now on more ambitious plans for a global network of sanctuaries being discussed at the United Nations. Bardem hailed the work of activist Greta Thunberg and schoolchildren going on strike for climate change around the world as "huge," and certain to worry politicians. However, his own experience at the UN on a panel packed with top climate scientists left it clear how far there is to go. "I was angry because more than half of the room was empty. That is a bad start," he said. "This should be the first thing on everyone's agenda -- it affects us all."

'Little Mermaid' can help save oceans, says Javier Bardem

R&amp;B singer Halle Bailey is to play Ariel in a live-action version of 'The Little Mermaid,'&nbsp;she said Wednesday, in a rare casting of a black actress as a Disney princess.

Bailey, 19, who rose to fame under the wing of pop queen Beyonce, said it was a "dream come true" to play the lead role.

She tweeted a cartoon image of the princess in which the traditionally red-headed Ariel has dark skin, brown eyes and black hair.&nbsp;

Director Rob Marshall said Bailey had been cast after an extensive search, and praised her "rare combination of spirit, heart, youth, innocence, and substance -- plus a glorious singing voice."

News of the casting was trending on Twitter late Wednesday, with many fans overjoyed by the decision.

"If your Egyptian adaptations (actually historical) can be white people, Ariel (a fictional character) can be black," wrote one Twitter user.&nbsp;

Like most Disney princesses, Ariel has been portrayed as pale-skinned in previous cartoon films, in which she was voiced by white actress Jodi Benson.

Disney came under criticism last year for "whitewashing" Princess Tiana in the cartoon movie 'Ralph Breaks the Internet,'&nbsp;hastily redrawing the character with darker features just months before the film's release.&nbsp;

Bailey's casting comes more than two decades after Disney cast singer Brandy, who is also black, as Cinderella in a live-action 1997 film.&nbsp;

Bailey is part of Atlanta-based sister duo Chloe x Halle, who received a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist last year.

Beyonce became a mentor of sorts to them after seeing the pair cover her song 'Pretty Hurts'&nbsp;in 2013.&nbsp;

They were signed to her label soon after, and Beyonce took them on her tour in 2016.

Former first lady Michelle Obama is a fan of the duo, turned on to their music by daughters Sasha and Malia.

'The Little Mermaid'&nbsp;will be the latest in a crop of live-action remakes of classic Disney movies, including the recent 'Aladdin.'

Filming is slated to begin next year.&nbsp;

R&B singer Halle Bailey is to play Ariel in a live-action version of 'The Little Mermaid,' she said Wednesday, in a rare casting of a black actress as a Disney princess.

R&B singer Halle Bailey is to play Ariel in a live-action version of 'The Little Mermaid,' she said Wednesday, in a rare casting of a black actress as a Disney princess. Bailey, 19, who rose to fame under the wing of pop queen Beyonce, said it was a "dream come true" to play the lead role. She tweeted a cartoon image of the princess in which the traditionally red-headed Ariel has dark skin, brown eyes and black hair. Director Rob Marshall said Bailey had been cast after an extensive search, and praised her "rare combination of spirit, heart, youth, innocence, and substance -- plus a glorious singing voice." News of the casting was trending on Twitter late Wednesday, with many fans overjoyed by the decision. "If your Egyptian adaptations (actually historical) can be white people, Ariel (a fictional character) can be black," wrote one Twitter user. Like most Disney princesses, Ariel has been portrayed as pale-skinned in previous cartoon films, in which she was voiced by white actress Jodi Benson. Disney came under criticism last year for "whitewashing" Princess Tiana in the cartoon movie 'Ralph Breaks the Internet,' hastily redrawing the character with darker features just months before the film's release. Bailey's casting comes more than two decades after Disney cast singer Brandy, who is also black, as Cinderella in a live-action 1997 film. Bailey is part of Atlanta-based sister duo Chloe x Halle, who received a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist last year. Beyonce became a mentor of sorts to them after seeing the pair cover her song 'Pretty Hurts' in 2013. They were signed to her label soon after, and Beyonce took them on her tour in 2016. Former first lady Michelle Obama is a fan of the duo, turned on to their music by daughters Sasha and Malia. 'The Little Mermaid' will be the latest in a crop of live-action remakes of classic Disney movies, including the recent 'Aladdin.' Filming is slated to begin next year.

Disney live-action 'Little Mermaid' to star a black Ariel

Disney’s live-action remake of its classic ‘The Little Mermaid’ might get Jacob Tremblay and Awkwafina. The project will be directed by Rob Marshall.

As of now, Melissa McCarthy is already in talks to play the villain in the story, the sea witch Ursula.

The animated movie will retell the story of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale of a mermaid named Ariel who wishes to be a human after she falls in love with a prince. Ariel makes a deal with Ursula, who grants her wish but takes her voice.

If Jacob Tremblay and Awkwafina are signed up for the film, he will voice Flounder, Ariel’s best friend, who is a fish. Jason Marin voiced him in 1989 original, and the character had singing duties in the Broadway adaptation.

Awkwafina would play Scuttle, the seagull friend of the red-headed princess.&nbsp;

Original composer Alan Menken has teamed up with Lin-Manuel Miranda, with Menken composing and co-writing new lyrics with Miranda.

Marc Platt, who worked with Marshall on Mary Poppin Returns and executive produced Guy Ritchie’s live-action Aladdin remake, is producing.&nbsp;

Marshall and John DeLuca are also producing Little Mermaid, as is Miranda.

Disney’s live-action remake of its classic ‘The Little Mermaid’ might get Jacob Tremblay and Awkwafina. The project will be directed by Rob Marshall. As of now, Melissa McCarthy is already in talks to play the villain in the story, the sea witch Ursula.

Disney’s live-action remake of its classic ‘The Little Mermaid’ might get Jacob Tremblay and Awkwafina. The project will be directed by Rob Marshall. As of now, Melissa McCarthy is already in talks to play the villain in the story, the sea witch Ursula. The animated movie will retell the story of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale of a mermaid named Ariel who wishes to be a human after she falls in love with a prince. Ariel makes a deal with Ursula, who grants her wish but takes her voice. If Jacob Tremblay and Awkwafina are signed up for the film, he will voice Flounder, Ariel’s best friend, who is a fish. Jason Marin voiced him in 1989 original, and the character had singing duties in the Broadway adaptation. Awkwafina would play Scuttle, the seagull friend of the red-headed princess. Original composer Alan Menken has teamed up with Lin-Manuel Miranda, with Menken composing and co-writing new lyrics with Miranda. Marc Platt, who worked with Marshall on Mary Poppin Returns and executive produced Guy Ritchie’s live-action Aladdin remake, is producing. Marshall and John DeLuca are also producing Little Mermaid, as is Miranda.

Awkwafina, Jacob Tremblay in talks for Disney's live-action 'Little Mermaid'

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