Staff Reports
Disney’s live-action Snow White remake, starring Rachel Zegler, has become a lightning rod for controversy and financial disappointment. Despite Disney’s announcement that the film was the “#1 Movie in the World” with a $43 million domestic and $44.3 million international opening weekend, it fell far short of expectations given its bloated $270–370 million budget. Globally, the film earned just $87.3 million in its debut, lagging behind other Disney live-action remakes like The Lion King ($191 million opening) and Beauty and the Beast ($174 million).
The film now faces a steep climb to profitability. Industry analysts estimate it needs at least $500 million to break even, but its dismal opening weekend—coupled with disastrous reviews (2.4/10 on IMDb, 43% on Rotten Tomatoes)—suggests it will fall short. Social media footage of empty theaters and reports of scaled-back premieres further underscore its struggles. By comparison, The Little Mermaid (2023) opened to $95 million domestically despite similar backlash.
Zegler’s public statements intensified criticism. She called the original 1937 film “dated” and dismissed Prince Charming as a “stalker,” framing her Snow White as a “leader” rather than a love interest. Critics accused her of arrogance, especially after a resurfaced video showed her declaring, “People will wait in line to see me”. Her inflammatory political posts, including a wish that “Trump supporters never know peace”, alienated conservative audiences. Polls revealed the film overperformed in red states (40% of sales vs. the usual 33%), suggesting her remarks backfired.
The production was plagued by reshoots, creative clashes, and a fire on set. Disney’s decision to replace the Seven Dwarfs with CGI characters drew criticism from groups like the dwarfism community, while Zegler’s refusal to backtrack on a “Free Palestine” social media post strained relations with the studio. Analysts argue Disney’s live-action remake strategy—prioritizing political messaging over storytelling—has worn thin with audiences.
The film’s failure has raised questions about Zegler’s future. Reports claim she’s lost roles, including a $10.5 million horror project, and insiders describe her relationship with Disney as fractured. While some defend her talent, others blame her polarizing persona for the backlash. As one rival studio executive noted: “This should’ve been a billion-dollar movie. The math does not work”.
For Disney, Snow White joins a string of live-action underperformers, signaling a need to reconnect with audiences. For Zegler, the film’s collapse serves as a cautionary tale about mixing activism with blockbuster filmmaking.
