Disney’s newest live-action remake,Snow White, has been surrounded by recent controversies that have led audiences and critics alike to question what impact these will have on the film. The movie will serve as a remake of the 1937 animated classic with several updates to the story to modernize it, includingSnow White’s name origin. Some of these changes have been precisely the cause of the controversy, butthe originalSnow Whitedoes have some problemswhen viewed through a 21st century lens, making the changes necessary.
The newSnow Whitewill follow the original storyline of the character coming to live in a cabin with seven dwarfs while running from her evil stepmother. However, the new movie will feature changes that see Snow White take on a more active role in overcoming the Evil Queen.Snow White’s castis led by Rachel Zegler in the titular role, with Gal Gadot appearing as the Evil Queen. Because the lead cast and the story are well-known,Snow Whiteis a promising addition to Disney’s live-action catalog, but its controversies add a complication to its bid for success.
Snow White’s Box Office Projections Declined Following More Controversies
The Most Recent Projections Put Snow White Far Lower Than A Month Ago
Disney’s live action movies and Disney movies more generally often find box office success, but that seems less and less likely forSnow Whiteowing to the controversies surrounding the movie. Earlier projections for the movie had it opening somewhere between $63 and $70 million, but newerbox office projections forSnow Whitehave lowered that number to between $48 and $58 million. SinceSnow White’s budget was reported byForbesto be nearly $270 million, it would take an impressive opening weekend and total theatrical gross of around $625 million to break even.
“They’re Afraid Of The Blowback”: Snow White Remake Avoiding A Traditional Red Carpet Addressed By Star As He Defends Its Dwarf Depiction
Snow White remake star Martin Klebba defends the movie’s depiction of the dwarves as Disney elects to avoid a traditional red carpet debut.
The movie has been surrounded by controversy from its inception, with much of the trouble surrounding its lead actor, Rachel Zegler.Rachel Zegler has already been hailed as being great inSnow White, but, unfortunately,at the time of her casting, she faced racist backlash and harassment from some fans of the original. This treatment was in no way her fault, but sadly this set the tone for news about the movie. Zegler faced further backlash for arguing that the 1937 movie showcased outdated ideas about the role of women, and stating the new version would give her more agency.
However, Zegler’s comments and unfair treatment are not the only issues that have arisen in the making ofSnow White. The other main criticism that the movie has faced is the decision to make the dwarfs CGI and played by one actor, rather than have seven actors with dwarfism play the roles.Peter Dinklage criticizedSnow White’s storyas “backwards” for its depiction of the dwarfs living together in an isolated cabin. Conversely, other actors with dwarfism have highlighted thatDisney’s use of CGI to create characters has taken away jobs from actors who are underrepresented in the industry.
Disney’s Box Office Track Record With Live-Action Remakes Is Pretty Good
Disney’s History Could Help Save The Movie
Despite the controversies that have surroundedSnow White,Disney’s recent success with live-action remakes adds a more hopeful note to its prognosis. Since 2019, when the live-actionAladdinandThe Lion Kingcame out, Disney’s live-action adaptations have done well, even when met with initial skepticism. In the most successful example, the 2019The Lion Kinghas grossed over $1.66 billion, far surpassing expectations (viaBox Office Mojo). Its 2024 follow-up,Mufasa: The Lion Kingwas also an unexpected success with a $716 million gross (viaBox Office Mojo).
$91.5 million
$1.05 billion
$191.8 million
$1.66 billion
$21.5 million
$229 million
$95.6 million
$569 million
$35.4 million
$716 million
$48-58 million (projection)
NA
Even going back 10 years to films likeMaleficentandCinderella, Disney found early success with live-action remakes and retellings, setting the precedent that audiences were interested in seeing them. In 2017, theBeauty and the Beastremake grossed over $1.26 billion (viaBox Office Mojo) and 2019’sAladdinsimilarly crossed the billion-dollar mark. 2021’sCruellaand 2023’sThe Little Mermaidalso ended up being fairly well-received, proving thatSnow Whitecould still come back to do the same.
The Little Mermaid Proves Snow White Could Still Do Well At The Box Office With Controversies
Audiences Still Went To See The 2023 Movie
Another indicator thatSnow Whitecould still potentially do well at the box office comes from 2023’sThe Little Mermaid. Similar to the racist remarks made about Rachel Zegler,The Little Mermaid’s lead actor, Halle Bailey, also faced racist remarks following her casting. People took to social media and movie ranking sites to voice their dislike that an originally white character was being played by a Black woman, despite this having no actual impact on the story. While some critics disliked the visual effects, Bailey’s performance was almost universally praised.
Predicting Snow White’s Rotten Tomatoes Score Using Disney’s Live-Action Remakes & Franchise History
Disney’s Snow White is a little over a week from its premiere, and based on past performances of live-action Disney movies, this is how it will do.
More than anything else,The Little Mermaidproved that it is often the most negative comments that get voiced the loudest, but for the majority of moviegoers this posed no threat to their enjoyment. The movie still ended up being fairly successful and well-received. Since it is Rachel Zegler herself that has shouldered much ofSnow White’s criticisms, it seems possible that the average viewer is more excited about the new movie than comments that the lead has made. Ultimately, it is entirely possible to see the movie out of interest without dwelling too much on the controversies.
Snow White’s Box Office Potential Is Still Lowered By The Controversies
Viewers May Be Too Put Off By The Recent News Coverage To See It In Theaters
Though the movie itself is not going to be changed by the controversies surrounding it, meaning its ratings and reviews could still be positive,Snow White’s box office seems the most likely to take the hit. In fact,early reactions toSnow Whitehave been largely positive, but much of the conversation about the movie is sadly still centered on Zegler’s casting and comments and the controversy surrounding the dwarfs.
Instead, many viewers may opt to watchSnow Whiteat home when it becomes available on digital or streaming rather than spend money on movie tickets.
Because most of the news about the movie has been bad leading up to its release, audiences may be fairly skeptical about going to see it in theaters. Instead, many viewers may opt to watchSnow Whiteat home when it becomes available on digital or streaming rather than spend money on movie tickets. Luckily, Disney’s family-friendly releases often do have a long life on Disney+ after their initial theatrical run, but it does mean thatSnow White’s box office earnings could suffer.
A Cut Scene From Original Snow White Inspired The New 2025 Live-Action Character, Says Director: “A Storyline That Walt Never Got To Complete To His Satisfaction”
Marc Webb, director of the 2025 live-action Snow White, explains how a cut moment from the 1937 animated original inspired the new movie.
Based on current opening weekend projections,Snow Whiteis unlikely to become a massive hit likeThe Lion King. If it manages to get more positive word of mouth, the movie’s luck could change and see it become more successful. WhileSnow Whitecould ultimately go on to become successful as time passes, it seems unlikely that it will become a massive hit at this stage.
Snow White
Cast
A live-action adaptation of the classic fairy tale. The film follows Snow White as she escapes into the forest and seeks refuge with seven dwarfs to elude her jealous stepmother, the wicked Queen, who is threatened by Snow White’s surpassing beauty.
