What's happened
Disney's live-action remake of 'Snow White' debuted with disappointing box office numbers, earning $87.3 million against a $270 million budget. The film faced criticism for its creative choices and controversies surrounding its cast, particularly between stars Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot. Analysts suggest the film may still find profitability through streaming and merchandise.
What's behind the headline?
Financial Outlook
- Despite a poor theatrical performance, analysts believe 'Snow White' could recover costs through various revenue streams:
- Digital sales and rentals
- Streaming on Disney+
- Merchandise sales
Audience Reception
- The film's mixed reviews (43% critic score vs. 74% audience score) indicate a disconnect between critical and public perception.
- Controversies surrounding casting and production choices may have fueled interest, potentially benefiting streaming viewership.
Industry Trends
- Disney's reliance on remakes and sequels has shown diminishing returns, with only three of the last fourteen live-action adaptations surpassing $1 billion globally.
- The backlash against perceived 'wokeness' in Hollywood may not fully explain the film's underperformance, as creative dissatisfaction appears to be a significant factor.
What the papers say
According to Business Insider, 'Snow White' earned $87 million globally, falling short of expectations, with critics citing a lack of creative connection. The New York Times noted that the film's production faced numerous issues, contributing to its disappointing box office. Meanwhile, the NY Post highlighted tensions between stars Zegler and Gadot, which may have affected promotional efforts. Critics from various outlets have pointed to the film's failure to resonate with audiences, suggesting that the narrative around 'wokeness' may not be the sole reason for its struggles.
How we got here
The remake of the 1937 classic faced numerous challenges, including production delays due to the pandemic and a contentious promotional tour. Critics have pointed to a lack of connection with audiences, despite the film's status as a family-friendly title.
Go deeper
- What are the main criticisms of the film?
- How does this impact Disney's future projects?
- What are the revenue prospects for Snow White?
Common question
-
Why Did '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. Despite debuting as the top film, it fell short of expectations, raising questions about the factors that contribute to a film's success or failure. Below, we explore the reasons behind this underperformance and its implications for the film industry.
-
Why Did Disney's Snow White Fail at the Box Office?
Disney's live-action remake of 'Snow White' has faced significant challenges, leading to disappointing box office results. With a production budget of $270 million, the film only managed to earn $87.3 million globally. This raises questions about the factors contributing to its struggles and what the future holds for Disney's live-action adaptations.
More on these topics
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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
-
"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.