Disney's much-anticipated live-action adaptation of "Snow White" has opened to a disappointing box office performance, igniting a firestorm of controversy surrounding its lead actress, Rachel Zegler. The film, directed by Marc Webb and featuring Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, grossed only $87.3 million in its opening weekend against a staggering production budget of $270 million, sparking discussions about the reasons behind its lackluster reception.
One of the most significant points of contention has been Zegler's casting as Snow White, a character traditionally depicted with skin as white as snow. Critics have slammed the decision to cast a Latina actress in the role, with some asserting that it undermines the character's original portrayal. Zegler, however, has responded to the backlash by suggesting that the negative sentiments stem from audiences' "passion" for the original character. She stated, "I interpret people’s feelings about this film as their passion for her, and what an honour to be a part of something for which people feel so much passion."
Despite Zegler's attempts to address the criticisms, the film's release has been overshadowed by her outspoken support for Palestine, which has polarized opinions among fans and critics alike. In 2021, she tweeted, "It will always be free Palestine," a statement that has resurfaced in discussions about the film's performance. Following the release of the film's teaser trailer in August 2023, Zegler reiterated her stance on social media, prompting Disney executives to express concern about potential backlash. Reports indicate that Zegler was even advised to have her social media posts vetted by a professional to avoid further controversy.
Gadot, on the other hand, has faced her own challenges, particularly after expressing her support for Israel following the October 7 attacks in 2023. Her vocal stance has drawn criticism from pro-Palestinian activists, leading to death threats that necessitated increased security for her and her family. In a recent interview, Gadot remarked, "I was shocked by the amount of hate, by the amount of how much people think they know when they actually have no idea, and also by how the media is not fair many times. So I had to speak up."
The tensions between Zegler and Gadot have been further exacerbated by the public's reaction to their differing political views. Jonah Platt, son of producer Marc Platt, publicly criticized Zegler in a now-deleted Instagram post, accusing her of "narcissism" for allowing her personal politics to overshadow the film's promotion. He asserted that her actions had "clearly hurt the film's box office," stating, "This is called adult responsibility and accountability. And her actions clearly hurt the film’s box office."
In defense of Zegler, actress Melissa Barrera, who was dropped from the "Scream" franchise for her own pro-Palestine views, has spoken out, arguing that Zegler is being unfairly scapegoated for the film's financial struggles. Barrera described a recent article by Variety as a "hit piece" that painted Zegler as "difficult and politically radical," while she believes it actually showcased Zegler's integrity.
As the debate continues, the film itself has faced criticism beyond its lead actors' political stances. Notably, the decision to use CGI for the seven dwarfs instead of casting actors with dwarfism has sparked outrage, with actor Peter Dinklage labeling the approach as "f****** backwards." He expressed disbelief that while Disney aimed for progressive representation by casting Zegler, the film's core narrative remains rooted in outdated tropes.
In the lead-up to the film's release, Zegler also faced backlash for her comments on the original 1937 animated film, describing the prince character as a "stalker" and criticizing the romantic narrative. She stated, "It’s no longer 1937. She’s not going to be saved by the prince and she’s not going to be dreaming about true love. She’s dreaming about becoming the leader she knows she can be." While she later softened her stance, stating that Snow White falls in love along her journey, the damage had been done.
As of now, "Snow White" holds a 42% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes, with audiences rating it more favorably at 74%. However, the film's opening weekend performance, which lagged behind other recent Disney remakes, has led many to speculate about its future. Some analysts suggest that audiences may be growing weary of Disney's live-action adaptations, while others point to the tumultuous political climate and the film's initial controversies as contributing factors to its poor reception.
In a world where the dynamics of representation and political discourse are ever-evolving, the fate of "Snow White" serves as a case study on how personal beliefs, public perception, and the entertainment industry intersect. As Zegler and Gadot navigate this complex landscape, the film's underwhelming performance raises questions about the impact of social media and political activism on Hollywood productions.
Ultimately, the challenges faced by "Snow White" may reflect a broader cultural shift, highlighting the difficulties of reconciling traditional narratives with contemporary values. As the dust settles, Disney executives will undoubtedly be analyzing the lessons learned from this experience, while audiences continue to grapple with the implications of their choices in the cinema.
