Disney's recent live-action remake of Snow White, featuring Rachel Zegler as the titular character and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, is struggling to shine at the box office. This adaptation is officially projected to lose approximately $200 million, raising alarms for Disney and its investors.
Despite initial enthusiasm, Snow White has been met with critical and commercial disappointment. While early reporting indicated that it earned $43 million domestically, the actual figure recorded was around $42.2 million, falling short of even the lowest projections of $45 million, according to recent industry data. It's not just the domestic figures that falter; the worldwide box office performance also trails expectations, earning only $86.1 million globally. Such results are dramatically below industry experts' estimates requiring the film to gross around $500 million to achieve a financial safe zone.
Adding to Disney's woes, the film's production budget was initially stated as $270 million. However, new disclosures indicate a staggering total of $370 million, which includes a $100 million marketing campaign that has largely failed to resonate with audiences. Given these numbers, industry insiders now estimate Snow White could gross only $300 million to $400 million, leading to a potential loss that would rank among Disney's worst financial misfires.
The film's disastrous opening weekend saw it grossing merely $42.2 million, which is notably less than earlier Disney attempts like Dumbo, which premiered with a $46 million opening and eventually pulled in $114.7 million domestically. Contrastingly, Snow White is witnessing declining ticket sales. On the first Monday after its release, box office figures plunged, showing a 75% drop to $2.5 million, indicating a shaky trajectory.
Critically, feedback about the performances, especially from Zegler and Gadot, has been mixed. While Zegler’s performance has been noted as a standout, Gadot's portrayal of the Evil Queen has drawn scrutiny. Critics have expressed that her adaptation suffers due to the convoluted nature of the film’s new musical score, particularly a number titled "All Is Fair" which attempts to position her character within a complicated political framework rather than a classic villain's arc.
The underlying issues have been exacerbated by the actresses' public political stances, particularly concerning the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. Gadot, an Israeli actress, has faced backlash since expressing her unequivocal support for Israel after Hamas's attacks on October 7, 2023. In stark contrast, Zegler, who identifies openly with the Palestinian cause, voiced support for Palestine following a promotional appearance for the film.
The disparity in their public statements has not gone unnoticed; Gadot reportedly received death threats as a result of the tensions surrounding Zegler's pro-Palestine comments. “[Zegler] didn’t understand the repercussions of her actions as far as what that meant for the film, for Gal, for anyone,” an insider stated, highlighting the complex dynamics at play.
During a glamorous moment in her career, Gadot received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame just a day before the film's release. During her speech, she encouraged youth by saying, “To all the young women out there... if a girl from Rosh Ha’ayin can get a star on Hollywood Boulevard, anything is possible.” However, the event was marred by protestors aligning with the pro-Palestinian message, creating a particularly charged atmosphere.
Critics have also pointed out that beyond political controversies, the film’s narrative architecture lacks coherence. For instance, discussions surrounding the use of CGI dwarfs instead of real actors have sparked disappointment within the disabled community, where actors with dwarfism expressed their discontent at losing a potential representation opportunity. Actor Peter Dinklage notably condemned the change as outdated.
Despite the challenges, Disney hopes to salvage the film's reputation with a public that remains divided. In performance, Zegler’s nuanced portrayal has shined in moments where her character’s emotions are tested, especially during musical sequences like "Waiting on a Wish," demonstrating a capable and enchanting presence.
On the other hand, Gadot’s villainous transformation has been critiqued as her first musical role featuring a song that lacks clarity and coherence. As noted in a review for her character, the song portrays a convoluted narrative about political power and ambition. The excessive ambition of the material has been described as toneless and lacking depth required to embolden the character fully.
The backlash speaks to a larger trend where societal discussions seep into the cultural artifacts we consume, complicating the experience of watching films like Snow White. In this era, where film studios must navigate both sensitive geopolitical climates and the expectations of diverse audiences, the challenges posed by the remake amplify the scrutiny faced by its actors and creators alike.
In conclusion, Snow White attempts to balance a legacy of beloved fairy-tale storytelling while navigating a fraught political backdrop. The outcome, as it stands, points to a major shift in how audiences and critics are responding to films in a globally connected world. As the movie continues to perform poorly at the box office amidst these controversies, its legacy will depend on how effectively Disney can address the pressing questions surrounding its production and the stories it chooses to tell.
