‘Snow White’ Ratings Plummet, Becomes One of the Worst-Reviewed Disney Movies Ever

Disney’s latest live-action remake is not doing great.

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The latest live-action remake of Disney’s classic Snow White has experienced a stunningly poor reception from viewers. With an average rating of just 1.6 out of 10 on IMDb, the film has surged to the top of lists highlighting the lowest-rated films. This rating is based on approximately 200,000 reviews, showcasing a significant disconnect between viewer expectations and the final product. Comments on Rotten Tomatoes and other review sites mirror this discontent, as many viewers express disappointment at how the film diverges from the beloved original.

In the context of Disney’s extensive library of live-action adaptations, Snow White stands out for its especially negative reception. Previous remakes, such as The Lion King and Cinderella, garnered both critical acclaim and box office success. These films often struck a balance between nostalgia and modern storytelling.
However, Snow White has struggled to achieve any semblance of that balance, leaving viewers questioning where the charm and magic of the original film has gone.

Anticipation for the remake was high, as Snow White remains a pivotal piece of Disney’s animated history.
However, early promotional material and comments from the cast led many to reevaluate their hopes. What was expected to be a nostalgic reimagining has turned into a project that many viewers feel did not honor the original story. This gap between expectation and reality has contributed significantly to the film’s poor ratings.

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Rachel Zegler, the actress portraying Snow White, has been a focal point for criticism stemming from her remarks during promotional events. She has described the original character as “dated” and expressed intentions to craft a more empowered version of Snow White. While her comments were intended to highlight modern sensibilities, they struck a nerve with many fans who cherished the original portrayal. This backlash intensified on social media platforms, particularly Twitter and YouTube, where heated discussions arose regarding the role of modern values in a fairy tale narrative.

Compounding viewer disappointment, the reported tension between Zegler and her co-star, Gal Gadot, who plays the Evil Queen, has not gone unnoticed. With Gadot’s long-standing support for Israel juxtaposed against Zegler’s backing of Palestine, this discord has overshadowed the film’s promotion. Insiders have suggested that these underlying tensions may have influenced marketing efforts and audience perceptions, further clouding the movie’s reception.

Another significant factor contributing to the film’s backlash is the audience’s growing disillusionment with Disney’s approach to remaking classic tales. With numerous adaptations flooding the market, many viewers feel fatigued by reboots that lack originality. The longing for fresh storytelling rather than reinterpreting cherished narratives leaves viewers feeling that Snow White is just another example of corporate repetition rather than a thoughtful revival.

When it comes to the financial side, Snow White opened to a meager $43 million domestically against a production budget estimated at around $240 million. This shortfall raises concerns about the viability of further investment into marketing and distribution, especially given the film’s catastrophic reviews. Traditional metrics for success in the film industry suggest that strong reviews correlate strongly with box office performance, making its current standing particularly disheartening for Disney.

The paltry ratings and reviews have likely dissuaded many potential viewers from seeing the film, resulting in a declining box office trajectory. This trend is not only detrimental to the initial financial goals but also signals a broader trend where poor reviews can have long-lasting impacts on a film’s profitability, affecting merchandising and potential for follow-up projects.

Despite the disappointing box office numbers, there is speculation about how Snow White might fare once it reaches streaming platforms. Historically, films with mixed or negative box office performances can find new life on platforms like Disney+. The possibility exists that a different audience may engage with the film in a non-theatrical format, offering a chance for redemption that could offset some initial losses.

Viewers are increasingly vocal about their opinions regarding modern interpretations of classic stories. Snow White, with its historic significance, serves as a battleground for conversations about gender, representation, and cultural relevance. Some praise efforts to modernize narratives, while others unequivocally reject any alteration to what they perceive as sacred tales. This cultural clash has played a significant role in the film’s critical reception.

The intertwining of politics and art has never been more pronounced, and Snow White exemplifies this phenomenon. With Zegler’s outspoken political views during promotion, many viewers took to social platforms to express discontent. This merging of entertainment and political opinion has led some to reject the film outright, believing it detracts from the story’s escapism and charm.

Amidst the backdrop of ongoing global issues, audiences are now more attuned to the nuances of a film’s messaging. This heightened awareness has prompted viewers to engage with films not only as forms of entertainment but also as reflections of societal values and conflicts. As such, Snow White‘s failure to resonate positively with audiences may stem from a broader commentary on not just the film’s content, but the complexities of the personal opinions of its stars.