Disappointing Box Office Results for ‘Snow White’ Despite Massive Budget

The recent release of “Snow White” failed to impress at the box office, continuing a streak of negative press surrounding the highly anticipated Disney remake. Over its opening weekend, the film garnered a mere $43 million in ticket sales across the United States and Canada.

While it secured the top spot at the domestic box office, its performance fell significantly short of expectations, particularly given its hefty production budget of approximately $250 million. The film’s international earnings added $44 million, resulting in a total global box office of $87 million in its debut.

To put this in perspective, other live-action adaptations from Disney have seen much stronger openings. For instance, “The Lion King” debuted with $191 million in 2019, while “Beauty and the Beast” raked in $174 million in its first weekend back in 2017. Such comparisons underline the striking contrast in performance for the latest adaptation of this beloved fairy tale.

Earlier projections had hinted at a significantly stronger opening weekend for “Snow White”, with estimates suggesting it could reach upwards of $85 million. However, as the release date approached, those forecasts dwindled, leaving analysts surprised by the film’s lackluster debut.

Controversies Surrounding the Film

Besides box office numbers, “Snow White” has also faced significant criticism from both audiences and movie critics. As of now, the film holds a dismal 44% score on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating that most reviewers provided negative feedback.

A key point of contention stems from remarks made by Rachel Zegler, the lead actress. In a now-infamous red carpet interview, she criticized the narrative of the original 1937 animated film, claiming it placed too much emphasis on a problematic love story.

During a promotional event, Zegler stated, “The original cartoon came out in 1937 and very evidently so. There’s a big focus on her love story with a guy who literally stalks her. Weird! So we didn’t do that this time.” Her comments sparked backlash from fans who felt she disregarded the film that launched Disney’s legacy.

Further Backlash from Social Media

In addition to her remarks on the original film, Zegler faced scrutiny for a politically charged Instagram post. Following the 2024 election, she expressed hostility towards supporters of former President Donald Trump, stating, “May Trump supporters and Trump voters and Trump himself never know peace.” This comment did not sit well with many and drew considerable criticism.

Zegler later issued an apology, yet the damage to her reputation and the film’s perception had already taken root. Other controversial aspects of the movie included the depiction of the Seven Dwarfs and Zegler’s political stances, which clashed with those of her Israeli-born co-star, Gal Gadot.

Critical Reception

Critics continued to hammer the film this past weekend, emphasizing its perceived shortcomings. The film was labeled as having a “strange” narrative progression and “stiff” performances from the cast.

Vanity Fair’s chief critic Richard Lawson remarked, “Hm? What’s that? This Snow White is not a made-for-TV movie shot in Burbank but is instead a theatrically released feature film that cost upwards of $250 million to make? Oh. Oh dear.” Such comments illustrate the disconnect between audience expectations and the final product.

The Associated Press provided a mixed review, acknowledging Zegler’s efforts to bring depth to her character while lamenting that “everyone else in ‘Snow White’ – mortal or CGI – is as stiff as could be.” This blend of critique speaks to the challenges faced by remakes in capturing the spirit of their animated predecessors.

Meanwhile, the Huffington Post referred to the film as a “strange, hot mess,” further accentuating the film’s struggle to find its footing among critics.

Future Prospects for Disney Remakes

The lackluster performance of “Snow White” raises questions about the future of Disney’s live-action remakes. With audiences increasingly vocal about their expectations and desires, filmmakers must navigate a delicate balance between honoring classic narratives and modernizing them to align with contemporary values.

Moreover, the response to Zegler’s comments and the film’s execution highlights the necessity for studios to manage public relations, particularly in an age where social media can rapidly amplify any controversies. Disney has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the film’s disappointing box office results.

As studios reflect on their strategies moving forward, the reception of “Snow White” could signify a turning point. Will Disney adapt its approach for future remakes? Only time will tell whether this experiment in reimagining classics will continue, or if new directions will emerge in response to audience desires.