Disney’s recent live-action remake of "Snow White" hit theaters over the weekend, but the reception was far from magical. The film opened with a disappointing $48 million at the American box office, a figure that many critics described as “sleepy,” especially considering its hefty production budget of around $270 million.
Despite the lackluster performance, Disney executives found a silver lining: the film outperformed "Captain America: A Brave New World," although that was not a hard feat without Chris Evans reprising his iconic role. However, the struggles of "Snow White" were evident, as even liberal film critics struggled to find anything positive to say. The Guardian described the film as a painful experience, comparing it to “bamboo splinters under the fingernails,” while The New Yorker criticized the casting choices, particularly Gal Gadot’s performance.
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes gave "Snow White" a dismal 29% rating, while audience scores were higher at 74%. Still, this discrepancy did little to change the film’s fate at the box office. Many audience members expressed disappointment, noting that the film felt slow and forced. Some remarked that the remake missed the charm of the original animated classic, with one viewer stating, “They made Snow White an activist,” suggesting that the film strayed too far from its light-hearted roots.
Several factors contributed to the film’s poor reception. Casting Rachel Zegler as Snow White sparked controversy, as she did not fit the traditional physical portrayal of the character. Additionally, in an effort to avoid offending individuals with dwarfism, Disney opted for CGI dwarves, which ended up alienating many short-statured viewers. Zegler’s comments in interviews also fueled backlash, as she criticized the original film and hinted at a politically correct version of the story.
The film’s release came amid ongoing tensions surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict, with Zegler being a vocal pro-Palestine activist and Gadot advocating for Israeli victims of Hamas. This controversy added to the film’s challenges, making it a PR nightmare for Disney.
As "Snow White" continues to struggle, it raises questions about the direction of Hollywood and its relationship with contemporary audiences. Many believe that the public is losing interest in diversity initiatives and woke messaging in films. If Disney and other studios want to succeed, they may need to return to storytelling that resonates with audiences rather than pushing agendas.
In summary, Disney’s "Snow White" remake has not only faced criticism for its execution but has also highlighted a shift in audience expectations. The film’s box office performance and the mixed reactions from critics and viewers suggest that a reevaluation of how classic stories are adapted may be necessary for future projects.