In April he met the US congressional China committee, reportedly speaking about the difficulties in dealing with China.
Days after Iger returned to Disney, Avatar: The Way of the Water was approved for release in China.
The Little Mermaid has just 2.5 stars on Douban, a popular Chinese review site.
Chris Fenton, the author of Feeding the Dragon, a book about China and Hollywood, said the film’s difficulties in China reflects a broader challenge for Disney.