What's happened
Disney's live-action remake of 'Snow White' has struggled at the box office, grossing $143 million against a $270 million budget. Controversies surrounding lead actress Rachel Zegler's political comments and tensions with co-star Gal Gadot have compounded the film's challenges, raising questions about Disney's future in live-action adaptations as it faces significant financial losses.
What's behind the headline?
Financial Implications
- Box Office Performance: 'Snow White' grossed only $143 million globally, far below the estimated $427.8 million needed to break even. This raises concerns about Disney's strategy in remaking classic films.
- Future of Live-Action Remakes: The film's underperformance may signal a shift in audience preferences, with many viewers expressing fatigue over remakes and sequels.
Cultural Context
- Political Backlash: Zegler's outspoken political views, particularly her support for Palestine, have polarized audiences and may have influenced box office sales. Critics argue that her comments detracted from the film's promotion.
- Industry Response: The backlash against Zegler has prompted discussions about Hollywood's handling of political issues and the potential consequences for actors who express their views publicly.
Audience Reception
- Critical Reviews: The film received mixed reviews, with many critics labeling it as mediocre. This could further deter potential viewers and impact Disney's reputation.
- Social Media Dynamics: The controversy surrounding Zegler has sparked significant online discourse, which could either harm or help the film's visibility once it hits streaming platforms.
What the papers say
The New York Post reported that 'Snow White' earned just $14.2 million in its second weekend, a 66% drop from its opening, while Business Insider noted that despite the film's struggles, it could still recover costs through streaming and merchandise sales. The Times of Israel highlighted the political tensions between Zegler and Gadot, suggesting that Zegler's comments about Palestine led to increased security measures for Gadot. Meanwhile, The New Arab criticized the industry's narrative blaming Zegler for the film's failure, arguing it reflects broader issues within Hollywood regarding political expression and representation.
How we got here
The film's release on March 21, 2025, was marred by controversies, including Zegler's comments on the original film and her support for Palestine, which drew backlash. The production faced delays and high costs, leading to a budget exceeding $410 million when including marketing expenses.
Go deeper
- What are the main controversies surrounding Snow White?
- How has the film performed compared to other Disney remakes?
- What impact might this have on Disney's future projects?
Common question
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Why is Disney's Snow White Facing Backlash and Poor Box Office Performance?
Disney's live-action remake of 'Snow White' has stirred significant controversy and underwhelming box office results. With only $143 million grossed worldwide in its first two weeks, many are questioning the reasons behind this backlash and its impact on the film's future. Below are some common questions and answers regarding the film's struggles.
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Why Did Disney's 'Snow White' Underperform at the Box Office?
Disney's live-action remake of 'Snow White' has sparked significant discussion due to its disappointing box office performance and the controversies surrounding its production. As audiences and critics weigh in, many are left wondering what this means for Disney's future in live-action adaptations. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this film and its implications.
More on these topics
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Rachel Anne Zegler is an American actress, singer, and YouTuber. She plays the lead role of Maria Vasquez in the upcoming film adaptation of West Side Story, directed by Steven Spielberg, scheduled to be released in theaters on December 10, 2021.
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Gal Gadot is an Israeli actress, model, and producer. At age 18, she was crowned Miss Israel 2004. She then served two years in the Israel Defense Forces as a fitness/combat readiness instructor, after which she began studying law and international relati
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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The Walt Disney Company, commonly known as Disney, is an American diversified multinational mass media and entertainment conglomerate headquartered at the Walt Disney Studios complex in Burbank, California.
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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"Snow White" is a 19th-century German fairy tale that is today known widely across the Western world. The Brothers Grimm published it in 1812 in the first edition of their collection Grimms' Fairy Tales and numbered as Tale 53.
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José Pedro Balmaceda Pascal is a Chilean-American actor. Pascal portrayed Oberyn Martell in the fourth season of the HBO fantasy series Game of Thrones and Javier Peña in the Netflix biographical crime series Narcos.