Disney’s latest live-action remake, Snow White, has finally hit theaters, but the results have been mixed. Starring Rachel Zegler as the iconic princess and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, the film has sparked debates, divided critics, and struggled to make a strong financial impact. Here’s a deep dive into how Snow White has performed and what it means for Disney’s live-action adaptations moving forward.
Box Office Performance: A Rocky Start
Despite the anticipation surrounding Snow White, the film’s opening weekend was underwhelming. It debuted with a global box office total of $87.3 million, falling short of Disney’s projected $100 million. Given the film’s estimated $250 million production budget, this opening raises concerns about its long-term profitability.
Domestically, the movie performed better in conservative-leaning states, indicating a varied regional reception. However, international markets have shown less enthusiasm, further complicating its financial trajectory.
Critical Reception: Mixed to Negative Reviews
Reviews for Snow White have been polarized. Major outlets have criticized its storytelling and execution. The Guardian called it an “exhaustingly awful reboot,” while Forbes pointed out its 46% Rotten Tomatoes score, highlighting its lack of imagination and charm compared to the animated classic.
However, Rachel Zegler’s performance has been a rare bright spot. Critics from Collider and Digital Spy praised her for bringing emotional depth to the role, with her singing abilities receiving particular acclaim. Gal Gadot’s Evil Queen was also noted as a highlight, though some felt her character was underutilized.
Controversies and Backlash
Beyond reviews and box office numbers, Snow White has been surrounded by controversy from the start. Many fans were divided over Disney’s decision to modernize the character, moving away from traditional themes of love and romance. Zegler’s comments about making Snow White a “leader” rather than a princess who waits for a prince sparked debates, with some audiences feeling the classic tale had been unnecessarily altered.
Another point of contention was the film’s depiction of the Seven Dwarfs. Instead of featuring actors with dwarfism, the movie relied on CGI and diverse casting, a decision that was met with criticism from some advocacy groups and fans of the original.
What’s Next for Disney?
With Snow White struggling at the box office and receiving mixed reviews, Disney faces a crossroads with its live-action strategy. While films like The Lion King (2019) and Aladdin (2019) were commercial hits, others like The Little Mermaid (2023) and Peter Pan & Wendy (2023) have struggled to find strong footing.
The future of Disney’s live-action remakes may hinge on finding the right balance between nostalgia and innovation. With projects like Hercules and Lilo & Stitch in development, the studio will need to reassess how to modernize beloved classics without alienating core audiences.
Final Verdict
Snow White may not be the fairy-tale success Disney hoped for. While it features strong performances and high production values, its box office struggles, mixed reviews, and fan backlash indicate that audiences are growing wary of constant remakes. Whether it can recover in the coming weeks remains to be seen, but for now, Disney’s latest princess tale is far from being the fairest of them all.
