Disney's latest live-action adaptation, Snow White, directed by Marc Webb, has faced a tumultuous reception at the box office, struggling to meet financial expectations in its first month of release. As of April 14, 2025, the film has grossed only $81 million domestically and $99 million internationally, totaling $181 million worldwide. This is particularly concerning given the film's production budget, which reportedly exceeded $250 million, indicating a potential loss of over $100 million for the studio.
The film stars Rachel Zegler as Snow White and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, but has been mired in controversy since its announcement. Zegler's previous comments regarding her apprehension about the original animated film and her criticism of the character's romantic narrative have drawn significant backlash. She described the original Snow White as "scary" and stated that Prince Charming is a "stalker," a sentiment that has not sat well with traditional audiences. This sentiment was echoed in her assertion that the new film would focus on Snow White's aspiration to become a leader rather than simply dreaming of true love.
Critics have been divided on the film, giving it a dismal 40% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, while audiences have been slightly more favorable, granting a 72% audience score. However, the general apathy toward the movie has contributed to its poor box office performance. After its fourth weekend, Snow White fell to eighth place in the domestic box office, bringing in only $2.8 million. This is a stark contrast to the competition, such as The King of Kings, which opened with $17.6 million, outpacing Snow White significantly.
In its second weekend, Snow White earned $14.3 million, but it has since struggled to maintain momentum. The film's trajectory suggests it may not reach the necessary $500 million to $600 million needed to break even, especially given the ongoing competition from other releases like Minecraft, which has been dominating the box office.
Disney's live-action remakes have previously seen massive success, with titles like Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King grossing over a billion dollars. However, Snow White appears to be part of a troubling trend for Disney, as other recent adaptations, including The Little Mermaid, have also underperformed. The decline in box office returns raises questions about the viability of Disney's strategy to remake its animated classics.
Critics have pointed out that Disney's decision to release Snow White so close to other major films, coupled with its high production costs, may have been misguided. The film's marketing and distribution strategy has also been scrutinized, particularly as the number of theaters screening Snow White has decreased from 4,200 to 2,540. This reduction indicates a lack of confidence in the film's ability to draw audiences.
Moreover, the negative publicity surrounding Zegler's comments and the film's perceived political undertones have likely alienated some potential viewers. The mixed reception and controversy have sparked discussions about whether Disney should reconsider its approach to live-action adaptations and how they engage with modern audiences.
Looking ahead, Disney faces critical decisions regarding its future slate of live-action films. The upcoming release of Lilo & Stitch and a new adaptation of Moana could either revitalize the studio's fortunes or continue the trend of disappointing returns. With Snow White now seen as a potential box office disaster, it remains to be seen how Disney will navigate the challenges of a changing entertainment landscape.
As of now, Snow White stands as a cautionary tale for the studio, reflecting the challenges of adapting beloved classics in a contemporary context. With fans and critics alike watching closely, Disney’s next moves will be pivotal in determining the future of its live-action empire.
