Disney’s highly anticipated live-action remake of Snow White has finally hit theaters, but its box office performance and surrounding controversies are making more headlines than the film itself. With a disappointing opening weekend and heated debates over casting choices, the movie is off to a rocky start.
Box Office Performance
Despite Disney’s expectations, Snow White debuted with a domestic opening of approximately $43 million, missing the projected range of $45 million to $55 million. Internationally, it managed to pull in an additional $44.3 million, bringing its total global earnings to $87.3 million. However, given the film’s reported $250 million production budget, these numbers are concerning, raising questions about its profitability and long-term success.
Mixed Critical Reception
Reviews for Snow White have been lukewarm at best. The film currently holds a 43% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting a divided response from critics and audiences alike. While some praise its visual effects and Gal Gadot’s performance as the Evil Queen, others criticize its storytelling choices and deviation from the beloved 1937 animated classic. Audience reactions, measured through CinemaScore, resulted in a B+ rating, indicating a mixed reception.
The Rachel Zegler Controversy
Much of the pre-release discourse around Snow White revolved around its lead actress, Rachel Zegler. Several factors contributed to the backlash:
- Casting Debate: Some fans expressed disappointment that the traditionally fair-skinned Snow White was played by Zegler, who is of Colombian and Polish descent. The casting choice sparked discussions about staying true to the original character.
- Zegler’s Comments on the Original Film: The controversy intensified when Zegler publicly criticized the 1937 animated Snow White, calling it outdated and dismissing its central love story. Her remarks led to fan backlash, with many accusing her of disrespecting the original movie’s legacy.
- On-Set Drama: Reports suggest possible tensions between Zegler and her co-star Gal Gadot, possibly due to differing political perspectives. While neither actress has publicly addressed these rumors, speculation has fueled further controversy.
Changes to the Seven Dwarfs
Another point of contention was Disney’s approach to reimagining the Seven Dwarfs. In an effort to modernize the story and avoid reinforcing stereotypes, the studio opted for a diverse group of characters instead of traditional dwarfs. While this move was intended to be progressive, it was met with mixed reactions, including criticism from actor Peter Dinklage, who questioned Disney’s approach to representation.
Can Snow White Recover?
With its underwhelming box office numbers and lingering controversy, Snow White faces an uphill battle in the weeks ahead. While strong international markets or positive word-of-mouth could potentially boost ticket sales, the film’s reputation may continue to be overshadowed by its pre-release controversies.
As Disney navigates the fallout from Snow White, it remains to be seen whether the film will find its audience or become one of the studio’s biggest missteps in recent years. Either way, the discussion surrounding it is far from over.
