Disney Braces for Impact as Live-Action ‘Snow White’ Dealt Grim Final Update
Disney’s live-action ‘Snow White’ remake has been dealt one final blow.
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Disney’s live-action adaptation of Snow White has concluded its theatrical run, leaving behind a trail of disappointing financial figures. The film managed to generate approximately $87.2 million domestically, accumulating only $205.6 million worldwide. Given its hefty production budget of around $269.4 million, not factoring in the additional marketing and distribution costs, the numbers signal a stark failure for a project that was expected to do well.
In its opening weekend, Snow White brought in a lackluster $42.2 million domestically, and its performance only worsened with a staggering 66% drop in its second week. This underperformance is not just an isolated incident but rather part of a wider trend affecting Disney’s recent film releases, including Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, Lightyear, and Strange World, all of which failed to meet box office expectations.
The lead-up to Snow White’s release was marred by heavy backlash, particularly concerning the casting choices and the portrayal of iconic characters. Rachel Zegler, the actress portraying Snow White, faced intense scrutiny for her public statements about the character’s traditional depiction. She criticized Snow White as a “helpless” figure, vowing to bring a more empowered version to the screen. This commentary sparked a wave of criticism from fans who hold dear the original Disney classic.
The reaction intensified as Zegler made remarks about her vision for the film, which, according to some fans, strayed too far from the beloved fairy tale. The controversy surrounding Zegler’s comments, particularly those related to political issues, further alienated segments of the audience. Similar to situations faced by other actresses—like Brie Larson with Captain Marvel—Zegler’s remarks were labeled as “controversial,” leading many to boycott the film entirely.
This pushback against perceived modern interpretations of classic narratives illustrates a broader trend of heightened sensitivity among fans towards adaptations of cherished stories.
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The struggle faced by Snow White is a reflection of Disney’s broader industry challenges. Once the gold standard for animation and family films, the company’s recent box office results have cast doubt on its ability to capture the same magic in live-action format. Audiences seem to be shifting away from rehashed stories and are increasingly critical of how these remakes resonate with contemporary values and expectations.
The underwhelming performance of Snow White may prompt Disney to reconsider its approach to future live-action adaptations. Insiders speculated that the film’s failure could lead to a slowdown in the production of other remakes, including those that have been anticipated for years, such as Tangled. This would represent a significant shift in strategy for a studio that has heavily relied on its library of animated classics.
In the wake of the disappointing box office performance, Disney has already begun reassessing its strategic approach. One of the immediate responses involves the decision to move Snow White to Disney+ for home streaming, where it might find a more receptive audience away from the scrutiny of the box office. This move aligns with the current trend of studios capitalizing on streaming platforms to recoup losses and generate new viewership.
Moreover, it’s expected that Disney will take a hard look at its pipeline of future remake projects. The company may focus on content that resonates more closely with audiences’ evolving preferences while balancing the nostalgia factor that often accompanies beloved classics.
