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Disney’s latest remake of ‘Snow White’ is facing significant troubles at the box office, emerging as the company’s least successful wide-release live-action adaptation in nearly ten years.
The reboot of the beloved 1937 classic premiered in the U.S. and Canada on March 21 and has struggled to gain traction, amassing barely $200 million globally.
As highlighted by industry sources, the film’s earnings stand at approximately $205.5 million, which falls considerably short of its hefty production budget estimated at $410 million. This staggering disparity between costs and revenue led some analysts to categorize the film as an official flop. The anticipated losses have reportedly exceeded $115 million, a financial setback that few predicted would be of this magnitude, according to Collider.
Notably, the 2016 Disney remake of ‘Pete’s Dragon’ collected $143.7 million, resulting in $61.8 million less than ‘Snow White.’ This further underscores the current film’s disappointing performance.
Controversies Surrounding the Remake
The ‘Snow White’ remake has not been free from controversies, which some believe contributed to its unfavorable reception. Years before the film’s release, prominent actor Peter Dinklage, known for his role in ‘Game of Thrones,’ publicly criticized Disney for its approach to depicting the iconic seven dwarfs. He urged the studio to reconsider how it portrays such characters in today’s context.
Dinklage shared his views while appearing on comedian Marc Maron’s podcast in 2022, questioning the decision to create a narrative around dwarfs living together in a cave. His candid remarks sparked discussions about the representation of marginalized communities in media.
In response to Dinklage’s comments, Disney pledged to take a ‘different approach’ to its portrayal of the seven dwarfs, aiming to avoid the pitfalls of outdated stereotypes.
Backlash from the Lead Actress
Rachel Zegler, the lead actress in the film, has also encountered backlash for her remarks regarding the original ‘Snow White’ film. During a presentation at Disney’s D23 Expo in 2022, she expressed discomfort with how the earlier animated version focused on a romantic relationship that she deemed questionable in today’s context.
Zegler remarked, ‘The original cartoon came out in 1937 and evidently so, there’s a big focus on her love story with a guy who literally stalks her. Weird!’ This remark was met with mixed reactions and added to the film’s growing controversies.
Production Delays and Financial Concerns
In light of the controversies surrounding both the portrayal of characters and negative sentiments from Zegler, Disney decided to announce a delay in the release of ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ by an entire year. Originally scheduled for March 2024, the postponement raised eyebrows regarding the film’s overall future.
Zegler’s social media activity has also drawn scrutiny, particularly her statements regarding political issues that some fans found polarizing. In August 2024, she posted on X about the film’s official trailer, expressing her support for Palestine and stating, ‘And always remember, free Palestine.’ Such comments have sparked additional discourse about the actress’s public persona.
Moreover, Zegler faced backlash for derogatory comments directed at supporters of former President Donald Trump, leading her to later apologize, noting that animosity detracts from the quest for peace and understanding.
Scaled-Back Premiere and Media Coverage
In light of the film’s critical reception and the surrounding controversies, Disney also opted to scale back the premiere event for ‘Snow White.’ Reports from Variety indicated that the studio would not host the usual lavish red-carpet event, which typically attracts numerous media outlets. Instead, media coverage was notably limited, featuring mostly crew members instead of the traditional flurry of journalists and industry insiders.
Disney’s communications team has yet to respond to inquiries regarding ‘Snow White’s’ disappointing box office performance. The studio’s silence leaves many questions regarding future marketing strategies for the project.
The Road Ahead for Disney
The poor performance of ‘Snow White’ signals a potential shift in Disney’s approach to remaking its beloved classics. As audience expectation evolves and the demand for sensitive representation increases, the company faces significant pressure to align its storytelling with contemporary values.
As the entertainment industry continues to grapple with diversity issues, Disney must reflect on how it faces criticism and adapts its films to meet the expectations of modern viewers. Whether ‘Snow White’ can recover in future releases remains uncertain, but it undoubtedly serves as a learning experience within a broader narrative of adaptation and audience engagement in Hollywood.
