Disney’s live-action remake of Snow White has officially debuted at the top of the North American box office, despite facing months of controversy and receiving mixed reviews from critics.
The film, which reimagines the 1937 animated classic, generated an estimated $87.3 million (£67.5 million) globally during its opening weekend, according to Box Office Mojo. Nearly half of this revenue came from North America, where the film managed to pull audiences into theaters despite the swirling debates surrounding its production.
However, while the film’s debut secured it the number-one spot, its performance fell short of expectations, especially given its hefty $270 million production budget.
Before its release, Snow White had already become a divisive topic among moviegoers and industry insiders. One of the biggest controversies stemmed from the casting of Colombian-American actress Rachel Zegler as the titular princess, a decision that sparked debates over representation and faithfulness to the original.
The controversy was further amplified by statements made by both Zegler and Gal Gadot, who plays the Evil Queen. Zegler’s vocal support for Palestine and Gadot’s well-known pro-Israel stance led to heated discussions online, adding another layer of political tension to the film’s release.
Beyond the casting, Disney’s decision to replace the traditional seven dwarfs with a mix of CGI and live-action alternatives also drew backlash, with some audiences feeling the change was unnecessary and detracted from the story’s authenticity.
The film’s reception in international markets has also been underwhelming, particularly in mainland China, where Snow White failed to secure a spot in the top five at the box office. In its first three days, it earned less than $1 million in the Chinese market, a stark contrast to Disney’s past successes in the region.
Entertainment industry consultant Patrick Frater suggested that Hollywood’s declining influence in Asia, coupled with the controversies surrounding the film, likely contributed to its poor performance. In recent years, Chinese audiences have shown a preference for homegrown productions, and Western films have struggled to regain their former dominance in the market.
Critics have been deeply divided on Snow White, further complicating its box office trajectory. The film holds a 44% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting widespread skepticism about Disney’s latest attempt at reimagining a beloved classic.
However, general audiences have been somewhat more forgiving, as reflected in its 73% rating on the site’s “Popcornometer.” This disparity suggests that while the film may not have impressed critics, it has managed to find an audience willing to engage with its modernized approach.
Reviews from major publications capture the polarized reception. Kevin Maher of The Times did not mince words, calling the film “that bad” and urging audiences to “believe the anti-hype.” Meanwhile, David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter offered a more favorable take, describing Snow White as “mostly captivating.”
The BBC’s Nicholas Barber, however, expressed strong reservations about the film’s execution, criticizing its “creepy CGI dwarfs and muddled tone.” He went as far as to call it “a mind-boggling mash-up” rather than an outright disaster, highlighting the film’s struggle to balance innovation with nostalgia.
Despite the controversy, Snow White has made a strong box office debut, proving that Disney’s brand power still holds weight in the industry. However, whether it will sustain its momentum in the coming weeks remains uncertain.
With a steep production budget and high marketing costs, the film will need strong word-of-mouth and continued audience engagement to avoid becoming a financial disappointment.
As Disney continues its strategy of remaking animated classics into live-action features, the performance of Snow White may serve as a crucial indicator of whether audiences are still eager for these reimaginings or if the trend is beginning to lose its appeal.
