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Rachel Zegler’s Political Statements Impact ‘Snow White’s’ Box Office Success, Says Podcast Host
Zack Peter, the host of the popular pop culture podcast ‘No Filter,’ has closely observed the challenges facing Disney’s latest release, ‘Snow White.’ Despite early predictions of considerable box office success, the film struggled significantly on its opening weekend.
Initially, forecasts suggested that ‘Snow White’ could generate upwards of $85 million in domestic ticket sales. However, the reality was starkly different. The film debuted in the U.S. and Canada with a mere $43 million in ticket sales and subsequently experienced a staggering 66% drop in revenue during its second weekend. In contrast, another recent release, ‘A Minecraft Movie,’ achieved $163 million in its opening weekend, while ‘Snow White’ could only muster $6 million.
The Role of Rachel Zegler
Peter highlights Rachel Zegler’s outspoken political commentary as a pivotal factor in the film’s dismal performance. In the lead-up to the premiere, Zegler shared politically charged messages on social media, which may have alienated potential viewers. Among these posts was a message advocating for Palestinian freedom and another in which she expressed a wish that supporters of Donald Trump would ‘never know peace.’ Although she later retracted the latter comment, it may have already impacted public perception.
Public Responses to Controversy
During a discussion on Fox News Digital, Peter asserted that Zegler has become a polarizing figure. He noted, ‘She was very much at the center of it. She made it clear that if people didn’t vote for Kamala Harris, she didn’t want their support. They heard that message loud and clear, and it likely discouraged them from supporting her film.’ This indicates that her political stance may have had a sizable effect on audience turnout.
Peter elaborated on the implications of Zegler’s comments. He pointed out that while she may seek to narrow her audience, those excluded are still potential viewers, including families drawn to Disney’s magic. He believes that Zegler’s rhetoric overshadowed the film’s message and deterred many from attending.
Political Commentary and Disney’s Image
Peter underscored that the placement of Zegler’s free Palestine comment alongside her promotional activities was detrimental, stating, ‘Disney has traditionally avoided political entanglements. They aim to maintain a welcoming atmosphere for everyone. Zegler’s actions contrasted sharply with this corporate ethos, possibly contributing to the film’s underperformance.’
Expectations of Disney Talent
Peter suggested that Disney shares some responsibility for Zegler’s mishaps, claiming the studio failed to provide adequate media training for its star. He stated, ‘Perhaps it’s a shortcoming on Disney’s part. To pursue a career in Hollywood, one must adhere to the culture and expectations of the brand, especially with a renowned entity like Disney.’
Behind the Scenes Tensions
Jonah Platt, the son of producer Marc Platt, echoed Peter’s sentiments, revealing in a now-deleted Instagram comment that his father had to intervene amidst the growing fallout from Zegler’s remarks. He noted the personal toll on his family, mentioning, ‘My dad had to leave his family to deal with repercussions related to his employee’s political commentary during a crucial promotional period.’
Contemporary Adaptations and Audience Expectations
The film’s adjustment of the classic storyline has also drawn criticism. Peter stated that the live-action adaptation strayed from the enduring love story formula. The narrative now focuses on Zegler’s character embracing leadership qualities rather than the romantic elements central to the original.
In a controversial statement made during the 2022 D23 Expo, Zegler directly criticized the traditional storyline of ‘Snow White,’ calling it backward. She characterized her character’s journey as one of personal empowerment and leadership instead of waiting for romantic salvation.
Public Sentiment on Love Stories in Disney
Peter observed a significant shift in audience expectations regarding romantic narratives. He shared, ‘It seems confusion exists around why we can’t celebrate love stories while empowering women. It is entirely possible to uplift women without vilifying men.’ He lamented the loss of classic romantic storytelling in Disney films, emphasizing the heartwarming fairy tales that have shaped countless childhoods.
Fox News Digital reached out to Disney and Zegler for statements but did not receive immediate responses from either party. As this situation develops, the feedback from audiences and industry experts will continue to shape the ongoing narrative around ‘Snow White’ and its lead actress.
