Disney’s live-action Snow White remake has officially hit theaters, but its debut has been overshadowed by a lukewarm box office performance and multiple controversies. Despite high expectations for the reimagining of the beloved 1937 classic, the film has faced intense scrutiny, from casting choices to major changes in its storyline.
Box Office Performance: A Disappointing Start
Snow White opened with a domestic box office total of approximately $43 million, missing Disney’s projections of $45 million to $55 million. The film added another $44.3 million from international markets, bringing its total opening weekend earnings to $87.3 million worldwide. While these numbers may seem decent at first glance, they fall short given the film’s estimated $250 million production budget and extensive marketing campaign. If Snow White fails to gain momentum in the coming weeks, it could be one of Disney’s biggest box office disappointments in recent years.
Critical and Audience Reception: A Mixed Bag
The film’s reception has been just as uneven as its box office numbers. Currently holding a 43% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Snow White has received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for its visual effects and performances but criticism for its departure from the original story. Audience reactions, as reflected by a B+ CinemaScore, suggest that while some viewers appreciate the film’s fresh take, others feel it strays too far from its roots.
The Rachel Zegler Controversy: Casting and Comments
One of the biggest sources of controversy surrounding Snow White has been lead actress Rachel Zegler’s involvement. Several issues contributed to the backlash:
- Casting Concerns: Traditionalists expressed frustration over Disney’s decision to cast Zegler, a Latina actress, as Snow White, a character famously described in the original tale as having “skin as white as snow.” While many defended the studio’s move towards inclusivity, others felt it deviated too much from the character’s origins.
- Zegler’s Comments on the Original Film: Prior to the film’s release, Zegler made headlines for calling the original Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs outdated. She criticized its love story and implied that Snow White’s romance with the Prince was no longer relevant. Her comments angered fans of the 1937 classic, leading to widespread criticism online.
- On-Set Drama Speculation: Rumors of tensions between Zegler and co-star Gal Gadot (who plays the Evil Queen) surfaced, with speculation that their differing political and personal views may have caused friction. However, neither actress has publicly addressed these claims.
The Seven Dwarfs Controversy
Another point of contention was Disney’s decision to reimagine the Seven Dwarfs. Rather than portraying them as traditional dwarfs, the film introduced a diverse group of characters to avoid reinforcing stereotypes. While this change was meant to modernize the story, it received backlash from both audiences and actors, including Game of Thrones star Peter Dinklage, who had previously criticized Disney’s approach to representation.
Can Snow White Recover?
Despite a rocky start, Snow White still has time to improve its performance at the box office. Strong overseas numbers or positive word-of-mouth could help the film gain traction. However, given the backlash and underwhelming initial earnings, Disney may face challenges in turning Snow White into a financial success.
As the debate continues, one thing is clear: Snow White is one of Disney’s most talked-about releases in years, though not for the reasons the studio had hoped. Whether it ultimately finds its audience or becomes one of Disney’s biggest misfires remains to be seen.
