Disney’s Live-Action Snow White – A Box Office Hit or Miss?

Disney’s highly anticipated live-action adaptation of Snow White has finally hit theaters, but its box office performance has sparked mixed reactions. With a production budget reportedly exceeding $200 million, expectations were high for this remake of the 1937 animated classic, which was the first full-length animated feature in history. However, early box office numbers suggest that the film may struggle to meet Disney’s usual blockbuster standards.

Beyond the numbers, controversies surrounding the film’s casting, creative choices, and marketing strategy have fueled debates online, influencing audience turnout. So, is Disney’s Snow White a financial success, or is it falling short of expectations? Let’s dive into the numbers, reactions, and what this means for Disney’s live-action remake strategy.

Snow White’s Opening Weekend Box Office Performance

The box office performance of Disney’s live-action Snow White has been a major topic of discussion among industry analysts and fans alike. With a massive production and marketing budget rumored to be over $200 million, expectations were high for this remake of the beloved 1937 animated classic. However, the film’s opening weekend numbers suggest a lukewarm response from audiences, raising concerns about its long-term profitability.

Opening Night and Weekend Earnings

The movie debuted with $3.5 million in Thursday night previews, setting the stage for an estimated $15.5 million opening day, including these previews. However, early estimates project an opening weekend gross of around $45 million in the domestic market. While this may seem like a decent start, it falls short compared to other recent Disney live-action remakes, such as The Little Mermaid (2023), which opened with $95.5 million, or Beauty and the Beast (2017), which earned $174 million in its first weekend.

Projected vs. Actual Box Office Performance

Industry analysts had initially projected Snow White to open above $50 million, but mixed reviews and ongoing controversies may have contributed to a lower-than-expected turnout. Compared to its predecessors in Disney’s live-action remake lineup, Snow White is struggling to generate the same level of excitement. Factors such as audience skepticism, controversy, and franchise fatigue may be playing a role in the film’s box office performance.

Comparison to Other Disney Live-Action Remakes

To put Snow White’s numbers into perspective, here’s how it compares to other Disney live-action adaptations in their opening weekends:

Movie	Opening Weekend Gross (Domestic)	Total Worldwide Gross
Beauty and the Beast (2017)	$174 million	$1.26 billion
The Lion King (2019)	$191 million	$1.66 billion
Aladdin (2019)	$91.5 million	$1.05 billion
The Little Mermaid (2023)	$95.5 million	$569 million
Snow White (2025) (Projected)	~$45 million	TBD

If Snow White continues to underperform, it may struggle to break even at the global box office, given its high production costs. This raises the question: Has Disney’s live-action remake formula lost its magic, or is there still hope for a strong post-opening performance?

Controversies Impacting Snow White’s Box Office

The box office performance of Disney’s live-action Snow White has been overshadowed by multiple controversies, which may have played a significant role in dampening audience enthusiasm. From casting choices to creative liberties and political debates, the film has faced intense scrutiny long before its release. Let’s take a closer look at the key controversies that may have impacted its financial success.

Rachel Zegler’s Casting and Public Comments

One of the most talked-about aspects of the film was the casting of Rachel Zegler, an actress of Colombian descent, as Snow White. While Disney has previously embraced diverse casting choices, some fans criticized the decision, arguing that it strayed too far from the traditional portrayal of the fair-skinned, German princess from the Brothers Grimm fairy tale.

Adding to the controversy, Zegler’s past comments about the original 1937 film resurfaced in the months leading up to the film’s release. In interviews, she criticized the original’s portrayal of Snow White, calling it outdated and implying that the new version would be a more feminist take, without a focus on romance. While some applauded this modernized approach, others felt she was disrespecting Disney’s legacy, leading to a backlash on social media, calls for boycotts, and general negativity surrounding the film.

Political Controversy Surrounding Gal Gadot

Another contentious issue arose with Gal Gadot, who plays the Evil Queen. The actress, best known for her role as Wonder Woman, has been at the center of geopolitical debates due to her support for Israel during ongoing Middle East conflicts. Given the heightened global political climate, this led to polarized reactions to her involvement in Snow White, further discouraging certain audiences from supporting the film.

The Reimagining of the Seven Dwarfs

One of the most debated creative changes in the live-action adaptation was the decision to replace the traditional seven dwarfs with “magical creatures” of varying heights and ethnic backgrounds. Disney made this choice in response to criticism from actor Peter Dinklage, who called the original depiction of dwarfs outdated and offensive.

However, the change angered many fans and members of the dwarfism community, who felt that it deprived actors with dwarfism of important roles in a major Hollywood production. Some saw this move as an example of overcorrection, and it became another source of negative press that may have discouraged potential viewers.

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Did Controversy Kill Disney’s Snow White?

While controversy alone may not be the sole reason for Snow White’s box office struggles, the combination of backlash, fan skepticism, and cultural debates created a difficult marketing environment. In an era where audience sentiment plays a massive role in a film’s success, Snow White faced an uphill battle that may have contributed to underwhelming ticket sales.

How Snow White Compares to the 1937 Animated Classic

Disney’s 1937 animated version of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is one of the most beloved and historically significant films in cinema. As Disney attempts to reimagine the classic for a modern audience, many fans and critics have drawn comparisons between the original and the 2025 live-action adaptation. From box office performance to storytelling, visual style, and audience reception, let’s break down the key differences between these two versions of Snow White.

Box Office Performance: A Tale of Two Eras

One of the biggest differences between the two films lies in their box office success. The original Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was a groundbreaking achievement that became the highest-grossing film of its time, earning approximately $184.9 million in the U.S. and Canada and an estimated $416 million worldwide (adjusted for inflation, this would be over $8 billion today).

In contrast, early reports suggest that the 2025 live-action remake is struggling to meet expectations. With an opening weekend projected at around $45 million, the film is far behind other Disney live-action remakes and may struggle to break even, given its estimated $200 million budget. While the original film captivated audiences and became a long-lasting success, the remake has yet to prove it can achieve the same cultural impact.

Storytelling and Character Changes

The 1937 version of Snow White followed a traditional fairy tale structure, emphasizing themes of love, kindness, and magic. It featured a romantic storyline where the prince awakens Snow White with a true love’s kiss, a moment that became an iconic part of Disney history.

The 2025 adaptation, however, has been reworked to fit modern storytelling trends. The romance element has reportedly been downplayed or removed, and Snow White is portrayed as a more independent character who doesn’t need a prince to save her. While this change aligns with contemporary feminist narratives, it has also led to mixed reactions, with some fans appreciating the modern take and others feeling that it strays too far from the original’s charm.

Additionally, the dwarfs’ roles have been significantly altered. Instead of the classic seven dwarfs, the live-action film features magical creatures, a change that has sparked controversy (as discussed earlier). The Evil Queen, played by Gal Gadot, is still a major part of the story, but the film has taken creative liberties in how her character interacts with Snow White.

Visuals and Animation vs. Live-Action

One of the most defining features of the 1937 animated classic is its stunning hand-drawn animation, which was revolutionary for its time. The film’s vibrant colors, whimsical character designs, and enchanting settings set the standard for Disney animation for decades.

The 2025 live-action adaptation uses CGI and practical effects to recreate the world of Snow White, but early reviews suggest that it lacks the same visual magic as its animated predecessor. Many recent Disney remakes have struggled to capture the charm of their animated counterparts, with some critics arguing that live-action effects make the films feel less imaginative compared to traditional animation.

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Which Version Resonates More with Audiences?

While the original 1937 film remains a beloved classic, the 2025 live-action remake faces an uphill battle in winning over audiences. With controversies, mixed reviews, and lower-than-expected box office numbers, it remains to be seen whether this new version will stand the test of time like its animated predecessor.

Audience and Critic Reactions to Disney’s Snow White

The release of Disney’s live-action Snow White has sparked mixed reactions from both audiences and critics. While some appreciate the film’s modern take on the beloved fairy tale, others feel it strays too far from the 1937 classic. From Rotten Tomatoes scores to social media debates, let’s break down how people are reacting to Disney’s latest remake.

Critical Reviews: A Lukewarm Reception

Early reviews from critics suggest that Snow White has received a lukewarm response, with many pointing out issues in storytelling, character development, and visual effects. Here’s a breakdown of common critiques:

• Rotten Tomatoes Score – As of opening weekend, Snow White holds a critic score of [XX]%, reflecting a divided critical response. Some praise the performances, while others criticize the script and pacing.
• Cinematography and CGI – Critics argue that the CGI-heavy visuals lack the magic of the original animation, making the film feel artificial rather than immersive.
• Changes to the Story – Many reviewers take issue with the removal of the romance and traditional fairy tale elements, feeling that it weakens the emotional core of the story.

Major entertainment outlets such as The Guardian, Variety, and The Hollywood Reporter have offered mixed-to-negative reviews, with some calling it a disappointing addition to Disney’s live-action remakes.

Audience Reactions: A Divided Fanbase

The general audience reaction to Snow White has been polarizing, with many expressing their thoughts on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. Here’s what people are saying:

• Fans of the Original Film: Some longtime Disney fans feel the remake lacks the heart and charm of the 1937 version, particularly due to the absence of the classic seven dwarfs and the romance arc.
• Supporters of the Modern Approach: Others appreciate the attempt to make Snow White a more independent heroine, arguing that the classic damsel-in-distress trope needed an update.
• Backlash and Boycotts: Certain groups have been vocal about boycotting the film, citing controversies surrounding the casting, character changes, and past comments made by lead actress Rachel Zegler.

Social Media Sentiment: Negative Buzz Hurting the Box Office?

Leading up to its release, Snow White became a hot topic of discussion on social media, YouTube, and movie forums, with hashtags like #NotMySnowWhite and #BoycottDisney trending in some circles. Memes, reaction videos, and debate threads fueled online discourse, making it one of Disney’s most controversial live-action adaptations in recent years.

On platforms like Reddit, users have shared in-depth discussions comparing the remake to the original, while TikTok videos criticizing the changes have gone viral. Some Disney enthusiasts have pointed out that previous live-action remakes, such as The Lion King (2019) and Beauty and the Beast (2017), at least stayed faithful to their source material, while Snow White took too many liberties.

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Can Snow White Recover?

Despite the mixed reception, the film’s financial success will ultimately depend on word of mouth and international box office performance. If audiences embrace the film over time, it may still see a solid run. However, if the negative buzz continues, Snow White could become one of Disney’s biggest live-action disappointments in recent years.

The Future of Disney’s Live-Action Remakes

Disney’s live-action remake strategy has been a major focus for the studio over the past decade, with hits like The Lion King (2019) and Beauty and the Beast (2017) proving to be billion-dollar successes. However, the reception of Snow White raises important questions about the sustainability of Disney’s remake formula and whether audiences are growing tired of these reimagined classics. Let’s explore what this means for Disney’s future.

Lessons Learned from Snow White

The underwhelming box office and mixed reception of Snow White highlight some key takeaways for Disney when it comes to future live-action adaptations:

• Staying True to the Source Material – Many fans feel Snow White took too many liberties, such as removing the seven dwarfs and romance storyline, which alienated loyal Disney enthusiasts. Future remakes may need to strike a balance between modernization and nostalgia.
• Avoiding Overuse of CGI – While live-action remakes rely heavily on visual effects, critics have pointed out that the overuse of CGI makes movies feel artificial rather than magical.
• Casting and Marketing Sensitivity – The backlash against Snow White was intensified by controversies surrounding casting and public comments, suggesting that Disney must carefully navigate audience expectations and communication moving forward.

Upcoming Disney Live-Action Remakes

Despite Snow White’s struggles, Disney is pushing forward with several other live-action projects. Here are some major remakes currently in development:

• Moana (2026) – Starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, this remake has been fast-tracked, with high expectations given the popularity of the original.
• Hercules – Directed by the Russo Brothers, this film promises a fresh take on the Greek mythology-inspired classic.
• The Hunchback of Notre Dame – A darker and more dramatic adaptation is in the works, with Josh Gad producing.
• Lilo & Stitch – This remake has sparked controversy over casting decisions, but remains one of Disney’s most unique upcoming projects.

Disney seems committed to continuing the live-action trend, but whether these films succeed will depend on how well they learn from past mistakes.

Is Disney’s Live-Action Strategy Sustainable?

While some remakes have been box office juggernauts, others (Dumbo, Pinocchio, and Peter Pan & Wendy) have failed to make a cultural impact. With audience fatigue setting in and more scrutiny on Disney’s creative choices, the studio may need to rethink its approach.

Instead of remaking beloved animated classics, some fans argue that Disney should focus on:

• Creating original live-action fantasy films (like Pirates of the Caribbean)
• Expanding the stories of existing characters in new ways (Maleficent, Cruella)
• Revisiting underappreciated classics instead of constantly remaking their biggest hits

With the performance of Snow White signaling a potential turning point, Disney’s next moves will determine whether its live-action remake era continues to thrive or fades into the past.

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Disney’s ‘Snow White’ remake has been plagued by controversies ahead of release | Fox News