Disney’s Snow White Struggles at the Box Office Amid Controversy

March 27, 2025 – Disney’s live-action remake of Snow White, starring Rachel Zegler as the iconic princess and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, has failed to meet box office expectations. The film, which had a production budget of approximately $270 million, opened with a disappointing $87.3 million worldwide.

Box Office Performance

The film grossed around $42.2 million domestically and $43.9 million internationally during its opening weekend. These figures place Snow White among Disney’s weakest live-action remakes in recent years, raising questions about the studio’s strategy for reimagining animated classics.

Critical and Audience Reactions

Critics and audiences have been divided on Snow White. Reviews have criticized the film for lacking emotional depth and failing to bring anything new to the classic tale. The Guardian called it a “toe-curlingly terrible live-action remake,” while Empire Online noted that it “feels like a checklist of forced inclusivity and soulless spectacle.”

Audience reactions have also been mixed. While some praised the film’s visuals and musical performances, others expressed disappointment over uninspired storytelling. On IMDb, one reviewer labeled it a “Soulless, Unnecessary Remake,” citing weak visuals and forgettable music.

there’s no way pic.twitter.com/SZyjgZa6yf

— alex (@zeglerapp) March 26, 2025

Controversy Surrounding the Film

The film’s struggles have been further complicated by off-screen controversy. Jonah Platt, son of producer Marc Platt, criticized Rachel Zegler for her politically charged social media posts, particularly regarding her Free Palestine stance. According to reports, Disney executives had asked Zegler to remove a post made in August 2024, but she refused. Jonah Platt alleged that this controversy negatively impacted the film’s promotional efforts and overall reception.

Additionally, tensions reportedly arose between Zegler and co-star Gal Gadot over differing political views, leading to a strained press tour. Gadot, who faced threats due to her Israeli background, was provided increased security by Disney.

Conclusion

Disney’s Snow White remake highlights the challenges of modernizing beloved classics while navigating public perception. With weak box office performance, mixed reviews, and ongoing controversy, the film’s legacy may serve as a lesson for future adaptations. Whether Disney can course-correct with its upcoming live-action projects remains to be seen.