Disney’s latest live-action remake that just arrived on Disney+ is drawing a barrage of negative reviews, like most of its predecessors, but with more virulence. ‘Peter Pan and Wendy’ (2023) retells the story of Wendy, John and Michael Darling as they travel to Neverland with the timeless eponymous hero, but differs from previous versions of Barrie’s story by taking a darker… and more inclusive approach.
Bad forecasts for the reception of ‘The Little Mermaid’
When the trailer debuted in March, fans criticized its “drab and depressing” imagery, which director David Lowery explains as a move to make Neverland seem like “a place a child could go to.” But the problem came from the choice of Yara Shahidi as bell. Criticism has already appeared on the networks well before the premiere, so it is not surprising that the discontent of some with the final product of has become an increasingly common phenomenon: review bombing.
“Peter Pan & Wendy” has slumped on IMDb to a 4.2./10 rating, with 37 percent of all votes cast deeming it worthy of a single point. A negativity so overwhelming that it has become suspect. On Rotten Tomatoes, the Disney+ original has a critical approval rating. 67 percent, versus an average user rating of 20 percentwith more than 1000 reviews.
Critics have been kind to “Peter Pan and Wendy.” But between users call Wendy as an “overpowered Mary Sue” and in general many of Imdb highlight their problems with “political correctness”, like the decision to rework the stories of the Native American characters in the film to be more culturally sensitive. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out why the early reactions have been so hateful towards Disney’s impending live-action remake of ‘The Little Mermaid.’
In Espinof | All of Disney’s live-action remakes and adaptations ordered from worst to best