The live-action Disney film Snow White premiered last weekend, but it has already faced a storm of controversy and criticism. As of March 26, 2025, the film has earned a dismal score of 1.7 out of 10 on IMDb, based on over 100,000 user ratings. This score is particularly striking given the film's substantial budget of $250 million, making it one of the most anticipated releases of the year.
The film’s rating has seen a dramatic decline since its initial release, starting at 2.3 and plummeting to 1.7 within just a few days. This rapid drop has raised eyebrows and led many to speculate about the reasons behind such a low score.
Critics and audiences alike have pointed to the casting of Rachel Zegler, a Latina actress, in the titular role as a primary source of contention. Zegler has made headlines not only for her casting but also for her remarks about the character. She stated that the new iteration of Snow White will be an "independent woman" who does not require a prince to save her, a statement that has not sat well with fans of the original 1937 animated classic. Many feel that this portrayal strays too far from the character’s traditional depiction, which is often viewed as a core aspect of the beloved fairy tale.
Furthermore, the film's portrayal of the seven dwarfs has also sparked controversy. Reports indicate that instead of traditional dwarfs, the film features characters that are depicted as thieves, which has left many viewers confused and discontented. This shift in characterization coupled with the casting decisions has led to a significant backlash, with many accusing Disney of straying too far from the original story.
In a broader context, the film's release has been marked by a series of political and cultural debates, which some believe have contributed to its abysmal ratings. Social media has seen a flurry of negative commentary, with many users alleging that the low score is not solely a reflection of the film’s quality but rather a response to the controversies surrounding it.
Interestingly, this is not the first time a Disney film has faced such backlash. In 2023, Disney's The Little Mermaid also encountered similar issues, with its rating dropping to 4.0 shortly after release due to casting controversies. IMDb even released a statement at that time addressing "anomalous voting activity" that skewed the ratings. Ultimately, the rating for The Little Mermaid stabilized at around 7.0, and currently sits at 7.2.
In addition to the negative reception in the West, Snow White has also struggled to find an audience in China, where it grossed less than 7 million RMB (approximately $1 million USD) in its first six days of release. On Douban, a popular Chinese movie review site, the film scored 4.2, indicating that it has not resonated well with audiences there either.
The film's marketing campaign had positioned it as a major blockbuster, but the reality of its performance has been starkly different. Despite the high expectations and significant investment, the opening weekend box office was underwhelming, with earnings of just over $80 million globally. This figure fell short of the anticipated $100 million mark, further highlighting the disconnect between the studio's ambitions and audience reception.
As the film continues to be scrutinized, some industry experts suggest that the backlash may stem from a broader cultural shift in how classic stories are being reinterpreted. The push for more diverse representation in Hollywood has led to a reimagining of iconic characters, which, while well-intentioned, can sometimes alienate long-time fans.
Rachel Zegler's casting and the film's new direction have ignited a passionate debate about representation versus tradition in storytelling. Many supporters of the new portrayal argue that it brings a much-needed modern perspective to a classic tale, while detractors feel that it undermines the original's charm and essence.
Despite the criticism, Zegler has remained optimistic about her role, sharing childhood photos of herself dressed as Snow White and expressing her excitement about bringing a new vision of the character to life. During the film's Los Angeles premiere, the production team invited children of various races and backgrounds to interact with the cast, promoting the idea that everyone can be a version of Snow White.
The film’s narrative has certainly stirred up a lot of conversations, and it remains to be seen how audiences will ultimately respond as more reviews and box office data come in. Disney's ambitious plans for its live-action adaptations may face increasing scrutiny as more viewers demand authenticity and respect for the source material.
As the dust settles on this latest adaptation of a beloved classic, it serves as a reminder of the challenges that come with reimagining cherished stories for new generations. Whether this film will find a way to redeem itself in the eyes of audiences or become a cautionary tale for future adaptations remains to be seen.
