Disney’s ‘Snow White’ Flops Amid Controversy and Criticism

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Disney‘s live-action remake of “Snow White” has become the subject of widespread criticism and box office failure, raising questions about the studio’s approach to reimagining classic tales.

Despite a staggering budget of $270 million, the film, which stars Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, has failed to resonate with audiences, earning low ratings on platforms like IMDb, where over 91% of users rated it one out of ten. The film’s lack of appeal appears to stem from various factors, including a lackluster promotional campaign and social media backlash.

The film has drawn ire for its casting choices, particularly Zegler’s portrayal of the iconic character, which has drawn criticism for deviating from the traditional depiction. Conservative critics highlighted the diversity of the casting as contrary to their expectations, particularly after casting decisions for previous remakes, such as Halle Bailey in Disney’s “The Little Mermaid.”

Actor Peter Dinklage had strong words against the film’s premise, questioning the need to revive a story laden with stereotypes. “You’re progressive in one way…” Dinklage remarked, “…but you’re still making that f***ing backward story about seven dwarves living in a cave—what the f*** are you doing?”

In response to the growing backlash, Disney scaled back the film’s premiere and promotional events. Concerns were raised about Zegler’s public comments regarding the original film, which included statements that incited further controversy and backlash against her.

Recent reports indicate that Zegler’s remarks and social media activity may have contributed to the negative public perception of the film. An article from The Hollywood Reporter cited a combination of Zegler’s casting and her controversial comments as focal points for dissent on social media.

Furthermore, Variety outlined an instance involving producer Marc Platt, who reportedly traveled to confront Zegler about her comments amid the film’s promotional efforts. The emergence of her personal views on issues such as the Israel-Palestine conflict has played a significant role in shaping the public’s attitude toward the film.

Zegler faced a wave of online hostility, leading to death threats aimed at her co-star Gadot, highlighting the potential ramifications of sharing personal political views in the highly scrutinized entertainment space.

Market analysts suggest that the failure extends beyond individual actors, reflecting broader issues within the entertainment industry, including a fatigue toward reboots and a lack of innovative storytelling. Critics now argue that the film’s structural failures may serve as a cautionary tale for Hollywood’s current trajectory.

As Disney navigates the complex landscape of audience expectations and political sensitivities, this iteration of “Snow White” may represent a pivotal moment for future projects within the franchise, prompting a reassessment of how classic stories are adapted for modern audiences.