In a significant blow to Disney, the live-action adaptation of Snow White opened over the weekend to disappointing results that underscore the complexities surrounding its production and release. With a budget soaring to $370 million, the film managed only $42.2 million in North America and $86.1 million globally, falling short of the anticipated $100 million debut.
The staggering budget reflects not just the high stakes involved in revamping a beloved classic but also the various hurdles that the production encountered along the way. Of the $370 million, $270 million was allocated for production, leaving $100 million for marketing. Factors affecting the film's budget included COVID-19 protocols, strikes within the industry, a fire on set, and creative challenges that necessitated extensive reshoots following criticism of plot leaks and initial visuals.
While under normal circumstances these numbers might bring about concern, they are compounded significantly by what industry insiders are now calling a potential “flop” at the box office. According to The Hollywood Reporter, projections are grim, with estimates suggesting it may struggle to reach even $300 million to $400 million globally. For a film with a budget this hefty, a figure of at least $500 million is necessary to break even, making the prospects for financial recovery look bleak.
Beyond numbers, the film's launch was not just a financial assessment; it also fueled controversies on social media, particularly centered around lead actress Rachel Zegler and her co-star Gal Gadot. A report by Variety emerging just days after the film's opening details a behind-the-scenes rift attributed to differing political views. While early accounts suggested the two actresses had initially gotten along during production, tensions apparently rose before the premiere.
In mid-August 2024, shortly after unveiling the first trailer for Snow White, Zegler made headlines by posting “Free Palestine” on X, associating political statement with the film’s promotional efforts. This created significant backlash, specifically given Gadot's ties to Israel and her military service in the IDF. Reports indicate that Disney executives were alarmed, leading producer Marc Platt to fly to New York to discuss the matter with Zegler.
Additional layers of conflict emerged when Zegler publicly made disparaging remarks about Gadot following their dual appearance at the Academy Awards on March 2, 2025, where she referred to Gadot as “a professional pageant queen.” This comment was perceived as dismissive and did not aid in mending the perceived rift during promotional activities.
Disney, wary of the negative press surrounding the film, opted to have Zegler and Gadot conduct interviews separately leading up to the release. During the premiere on March 15, 2025, Zegler reportedly sat rows ahead of her co-star, further fueling speculations of a feud. By the premiere date, sources claimed Disney had largely lost confidence that the film could overcome its controversial launch.
The negative treatment continued to cloud its reception, as critical and public backlash spread extensively online. Viewers have reacted by bombarding the film with one-star reviews on IMDb since its release, feeling that Zegler's casting did not do justice to the character's traditional representation. Comments linked her artistic portrayal to the changing norms of Hollywood’s cultural landscape, pointing at Zegler's vocal critique of the original film, which she labeled as outdated, particularly the depiction of the prince as a “stalker.”
Critique of the film extends beyond its lead actresses. Box office analyst Jeff Bock emphasized that the extensive negative publicity and controversies were so overwhelming that they hindered the film’s potential to succeed even before it hit theaters. “You can’t say that a live-action remake of the most iconic film that cost $270 million can open to less than expected… the math does not work,” stated one executive from a competing studio. “This movie should be a billion-dollar movie,” they added, laying bare the challenge Disney faced with its marketing.
Disney has seen its live-action remakes struggle in recent years, with a series of notable misfires, including Dumbo and Maleficent: Mistress of Evil. The general anxiety surrounding this latest adaptation of Snow White reflects broader issues within the studio as well as with audiences who are becoming increasingly skeptical of reboots of classic narratives described as “woke.”
Despite these controversies, sources close to the production insist there are no hard feelings between Zegler and Gadot. Both actresses reportedly got along well throughout filming, but their public personas and differing opinions may have led to unnecessary tensions as the film approached its release. Insiders have suggested that Zegler's outspoken demeanor may have inadvertently undermined the potential success of a franchise that many hoped would revitalize Disney’s offerings before the summer.
The ball is now in Disney's court as the studio navigates a changing landscape. It needs to reflect on this experience and possibly rethink its engagement strategies with stars as social media, political conversations, and classic adaptations become more intertwined than ever.
