Snow White’s Box Office Challenges
Disney’s latest live-action adaptation of Snow White, featuring Rachel Zegler in the titular role, has faced significant box-office challenges since its release. After a less-than-impressive debut, the film experienced an alarming 66 percent drop in ticket sales during its second weekend.
This percentage marks the steepest decline for any Disney live-action film to date. Snow White’s current earnings hover just over $168 million, while the production budget was a staggering $240 million. Analysts predict that Disney may incur losses amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars at this pace.
Pollution Controversy and Impact
Adding insult to injury, Snow White gained notoriety for another dubious distinction: it was recently named the most polluted film produced in the United Kingdom since 2019. An analysis conducted by The Guardian revealed that the film’s carbon emissions exceeded those of other major films, including recent releases from the beloved Disney franchise.
The UK’s financial incentives for film productions come with stringent requirements, including a detailed accounting of the pollution generated on set. Snow White has added to Disney’s challenges, creating the highest pollution level among 250 films reviewed by the outlet. The live-action Little Mermaid (2024) trailed behind in second place.
To encourage film production, the British government provided Disney with approximately $57 million in tax rebates for Snow White. However, these rebates now starkly contrast the environmental implications highlighted by the film’s large carbon footprint.
Tension Around Prominent Figures
Rachel Zegler, the actress playing the lead in Snow White, has been at the center of multiple controversies since the film’s announcement. Initially, her casting as Snow White, a character traditionally portrayed as Caucasian, sparked discussions about inclusivity and representation in Hollywood. Critics labeled Disney “woke” for their decision to alter the film’s approach. The title of “woke” only intensified when Disney replaced the classic seven dwarfs with seven “magical creatures.”
To address the backlash, Disney delayed the film’s release from 2024 to 2025, incurring additional costs, with the budget reportedly ballooning to over $270 million. Compounding the situation further, Zegler made contentious comments regarding the original animated film, referring to it as “weird” and calling Prince Charming a “stalker.” More recently, her remarks about wishing that Donald Trump and his supporters “never know peace” intensified scrutiny, leading to public backlash and an eventual apology from Zegler.
In light of these controversies, Disney has scaled back the film’s premieres in notable locations such as London and Los Angeles. This decision was made to manage rising tensions and address public sentiment regarding the film and its lead actress.
Despite these challenges and the financial implications highlighted by its dubious title as the most polluted film, Disney continues to navigate the complexities surrounding Snow White. As they seek to balance public perception, financial performance, and environmental responsibility, the fate of this adaptation remains uncertain.
