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Joe Rogan and Kurt Metzger Critique Disney’s Snow White for Box Office Disappointment
Podcaster Joe Rogan and comedian Kurt Metzger recently commented on Disney’s latest adaptation of Snow White, which is struggling in theaters. Their insights touch on the film’s production issues, financial failures, and public controversies surrounding its lead actress.
Film Faces Major Struggles
The live-action remake of the beloved 1937 animated classic has been plagued by a series of challenges. Since production began in 2022, it has made headlines for multiple controversies. These includes a lengthy delay in its release date and debates over the portrayal of the iconic characters known as the seven dwarfs. Criticism intensified when actor Peter Dinklage expressed concerns about the representation of dwarfs, further complicating the narrative.
Moreover, lead actress Rachel Zegler sparked backlash with her comments about the original Disney film and with her public stance on various political issues. Critics like Metzger emphasize that while Zegler may not have been the ideal choice for the role, she cannot shoulder the entire blame for the film’s difficulties.
Accountability in Production Choices
During the critique, Metzger pointed out that the focus on Zegler’s portrayal is misleading. He stated, “If you notice the spin on it, they’re putting it all on her. I mean, I’m sure she sucks, but she is very young. She didn’t write that script though. And I don’t think she made the ‘no dwarves’ decision; that was Sir Peter Dinklage.”
Box Office Numbers Raise Eyebrows
The financial performance of Snow White has been disappointing. The film garnered only $43 million in ticket sales during its opening weekend in the U.S. and Canada. Following that, it faced a staggering 66 percent drop, bringing in just $14.2 million in its second weekend, which highlighted the negative reception among audiences.
With a budget estimated at around $250 million, the stakes were high for this production. This makes it one of Disney’s most expensive films in recent years, raising questions about the management and decisions made during its development. Fans and industry insiders alike have expressed bewilderment over the significant financial loss.
Joe Rogan Reflects on Production Choices
As Rogan and Metzger discussed the film’s underwhelming CGI, Rogan commented on the visual effects of the dwarves in the movie. “Oh, wow, that does look bad. Oh, it doesn’t look real at all,” Rogan remarked while watching footage of Snow White. The exchange highlighted concerns about the overall quality of the film, suggesting that significant budget allocations did not translate into impressive visual results.
Rogan also humorously suggested that the team behind the cryptocurrency DOGE should evaluate how the film was produced, sparking laughter among the audience. He quipped, “Imagine you spent $250 million and you get some young girl, and you don’t kind of talk to her about like, ‘Hey, you know, don’t get political.’ You’re young, and I know you have opinions about things, but this should be just about the movie.”
Public Stance and Backlash
Furthermore, Metzger articulated that Zegler’s outspoken nature may reflect the film’s broader theme. He remarked, “They wrote a script that’s telling girls, ‘I don’t need nobody to tell me, I’m a 20-year-old girl, so obviously I should run my mouth all the time.'” Nonetheless, he acknowledged that her political statements, particularly one involving the phrase ‘Free Palestine’ on social media, significantly impacted her career and the film’s attention.
Metzger’s analysis indicates a serious reputational risk for Zegler. He alluded to the film’s failure primarily resting on her shoulders due to her controversial remarks. “So now, they’ve put it all on her, and now it failed. Here’s what happened…” Metzger explained, pointing out the consequences of her tweets.
Industry Reactions to Controversy
The backlash didn’t just stop at public criticism. The film’s producer, Marc Platt, also became involved in addressing the controversy around Zegler after she posted an anti-Israel message while promoting Snow White in August. His son, Jonah Platt, took to Instagram to express frustration, stating that his father had to travel across the country to reprimand Zegler for mixing her personal beliefs with promotional duties.
In a now-deleted post, Jonah Platt wrote, “Yeah, my dad, the producer of [an] enormous piece of Disney IP with hundreds of millions of dollars on the line, had to leave his family to fly across the country to reprimand his 20-year-old employee for dragging her personal politics into the middle of promoting the movie for which she signed a multi-million dollar contract to get paid and do publicity for.”
Implications for Disney and Future Productions
The fate of Snow White raises critical questions about Disney’s approach to filmmaking in contemporary society. The studio’s handling of casting decisions, storytelling, and marketing strategies may require reevaluation in light of the overwhelming public reaction. As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, it is vital for creators and producers to strike a balance between artistic expression and commercial viability.
In summary, the recent criticisms from Rogan and Metzger highlight broader trends within the film industry while showcasing how personal beliefs can affect professional projects. Disney now faces the challenge of reimagining its brand and production practices in a marketplace that demands both quality and sensitivity to cultural narratives.
