After a remarkable 2024, with Inside Out 2 and Deadpool & Wolverine each soaring past the billion-dollar mark and Moana 2 well on its way to joining the club, the future of Disney’s slate seems less assured.
The year 2025 kicks off with Captain America: Brave New World in February, followed closely by Disney’s much-debated live-action Snow White, directed by Marc Webb, hitting screens on March 21. However, Snow White’s road to the big screen has been anything but smooth.
After years of discussion surrounding its production, Snow White now faces daunting challenges, from backlash over creative decisions to a ballooning budget that threatens its financial viability. While tax relief from the U.K. government has provided a partial safety net, questions remain about whether the film can turn a profit—or at least avoid a disastrous loss.
Walt Disney’s original Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) remains a landmark achievement, celebrated as the first full-length animated feature film. Adapted from the Grimm Brothers’ fairy tale, the movie dazzled audiences with its lush Technicolor visuals, innovative animation, and timeless soundtrack. Songs like “Heigh-Ho” and “Someday My Prince Will Come” remain iconic to this day.
The film grossed $8 million during its initial release, a staggering sum for the era, securing Disney’s place in entertainment history. Its legacy was further cemented by an honorary Oscar awarded to Walt Disney in 1939—a statuette accompanied by seven miniature Oscars, symbolizing the dwarfs. Beyond box-office success, Snow White became a cultural touchstone, inspiring theme park attractions, merchandise, and generations of storytellers.
Marc Webb’s Snow White sought to modernize the cherished tale for a new generation, enlisting Rachel Zegler (West Side Story) as Snow White and Gal Gadot (Wonder Woman) as the Evil Queen. Yet, controversy has dogged the project since its announcement.
A key point of contention involved the portrayal of the seven dwarfs. After actor Peter Dinklage criticized Disney for perpetuating stereotypes, the studio opted to reimagine the characters as CGI “magical creatures,” a decision that polarized fans. Following the backlash, Disney pivoted yet again, reintroducing CGI dwarfs—a compromise that some see as too little, too late.
Zegler’s casting as the titular princess also sparked debate. As a Latina actress portraying a character historically tied to her “skin as white as snow,” Zegler faced scrutiny similar to Halle Bailey’s casting in The Little Mermaid (2023). The film’s reinterpretation of Snow White’s name as a symbol of resilience rather than complexion further fueled fan discontent, with many accusing Disney of straying too far from its roots.
Adding to the turmoil were Zegler’s remarks at the D23 Expo, where she criticized the original film’s prince as a “stalker” and emphasized the remake’s focus on Snow White as a leader rather than a romantic figure. While these comments aimed to highlight the updated narrative, they alienated longtime fans who cherished the original’s romantic charm.
Zegler’s off-screen controversies also made headlines. Amid the SAG-AFTRA strikes, she made divisive comments and, a year later, made a statement about Donald Trump supporters, which she later apologized for.
With a reported production budget of $269 million, Snow White is among Disney’s most expensive live-action projects. Yet, its omission from Disney’s Q4 2024 earnings report has raised eyebrows. While the studio prominently spotlighted Inside Out 2, Avatar: Fire and Ash, and Moana 2, the conspicuous absence of Snow White suggests waning confidence.
Government Eases the Cost
Tax relief from the U.K. government has provided some relief, with Disney recouping nearly $56 million due to the film’s production at Pinewood Studios and other locations. This brought net costs down to approximately $213 million. However, Forbes reports that escalating costs from reshoots and post-production could push the final total even higher.
As the outlet recently explained, for Snow White to succeed, it would need to gross over $430 million globally. Achieving such numbers seems daunting, especially given the film’s lukewarm reception and the fiercely competitive 2025 release slate.
Disney’s marketing strategy—or lack thereof—has only added to the uncertainty. Unlike Moana 2, which shattered records with a $386 million global opening during Thanksgiving 2024, Snow White has received limited promotional support. Early trailers were met with lukewarm reactions, with many fans expressing disappointment over the film’s visuals and tone.
The film’s March release date positions it as an early-year gamble, but without a strong marketing push, it risks being overshadowed.
As its March 2025 release approaches, Snow White faces an uphill climb. For Disney, the stakes are high—not just financially but also reputationally.
Will audiences embrace this updated tale, or will they cling to the timeless magic of the 1937 classic? Directed by Marc Webb and penned by Greta Gerwig and Erin Cressida Wilson, the film stars Rachel Zegler as Snow White, Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, Andrew Burnap as Jonathan, and Ansu Kabia as the Huntsman.
Whether Snow White can carve out a place in modern Disney lore or fade into obscurity remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the legacy of Walt Disney’s original masterpiece casts a long shadow, and living up to it is no easy feat.
How do you feel about the Snow White remake? Let us know in the comments below!
Live action Snow White will join live action The Little Mermaid in the bargain bin. They had a chance 2 years ago to replace Rachel Zegler and in Disney fashion, they doubled down on her. They put shareholder capital and the potential to make a fortune on the line. Every executive involved should be fired. This includes Iger.