Disney’s live-action remake of the beloved classic, Snow White, has landed in theaters with a whirlwind of attention, controversy, and box office projections that signal a complex relationship with its audience. On March 21, 2025, the film starring Rachel Zegler as the iconic princess has already made headlines for its issues surrounding the lead actress's casting and her commentary on sensitive global affairs, alongside her co-star Gal Gadot, who has drawn criticism for her stance on the Gaza conflict.
The film opened with $3.5 million during Thursday previews, a figure that, while commendable, lags behind other recent Disney remakes like Aladdin, which amassed $7 million, and Beauty and the Beast, which earned an impressive $16.3 million on similar preview nights. However, Snow White fared better than Dumbo ($2.6 million) and Maleficent: Mistress of Evil ($2.3 million). As of late Friday, the film is projected to bring in between $45 million and $55 million over its opening weekend, with an additional global gross potentially reaching $100 million when international numbers are considered.
Despite its rough beginnings, the film's familiarity is recognized—Snow White examines the themes of childhood sweetness and moral lessons, told through familiar characters like Bashful, Doc, and the Evil Queen—while incorporating fresh elements such as new songs and an updated love story that positions the prince differently. But all this has stirred mixed reactions from audiences. Early reviews signal a questionable reception with Snow White receiving a lackluster 46% on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating 'rotten' status. Critics described the film as “hardly a grumpy time at the movies” but also criticized its “bashful treatment of the source material” and unsatisfying artistic choices. Some observers echo that such changes could alienate longtime fans of the original story.
Initial audience response paints a contradictory picture: while it resonated with children under 12—who awarded it 5 stars—adult moviegoers only gave the film an average of 3 stars. Notably, only 39% of the general audience reported a “definite recommendation,” suggesting that dissatisfaction is indeed prevalent among older viewers and parents, who rated it a mere 2.5 stars at best.
This lukewarm reception poses a fundamental question for Disney: How will audience engagement fare as families venture to theaters during the weekend? Factors contributing to the box office dynamics include a high awareness level among potential viewers—94% of families expressed they were aware of its release—but diminishing interest among the key demographic of young women and girls. Interest for those under 35 has been reported to fall from 58% to just around 52%, contrasting with the earlier enthusiasm seen in promotions for Disney's The Little Mermaid.
Adding another layer to the anticipation and scrutiny surrounding Snow White is its hefty production cost, exceeding $250 million, making strong weekend earnings essential for the film’s financial viability. Analysts suggest that the film will need to capture a significant audience share across demographics, particularly retaining the family market over the course of spring break. The presence of virtually no direct competition, with the nearest release, Warner Bros’ The Alto Knights, projected to garner only $2 million to $3 million this weekend, raises hopes that Snow White can maintain a presence in theaters without challengers.
As moviegoers settle into the weekend, the trends suggest a cautious yet optimistic outlook. The movie was launched across 4,200 theaters, including premium formats like IMAX, promising a robust viewing experience. Disney leaders hold onto the hope that the established legacy of Snow White, coupled with its new interpretations, can keep audiences engaged and ultimately drive ticket sales upward.
Across the industry, reactions to this latest Disney adaptation reiterate both excitement and skepticism about how well it adheres to or diverges from the beloved source material. There’s potential for success if audiences respond positively through word of mouth, critical opinion, and just the sheer charm that the franchise is known for.
Ultimately, the success of Snow White will depend on turning a nostalgic franchise into a success story in 2025, amidst the ensuing debates about representation, artistic integrity, and whether classic tales can evolve while still capturing the magic that made them timeless in the first place.
