Disney’s live-action Snow White dropped on 21 March 2025 and has struggled at the box office for several reasons, leading to its underperformance. The film, which stars Rachel Zegler in the title role and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, brought in $43 million at the domestic box office in its opening weekend. Globally, Snow White took in $44.3 million for an overall haul of $87.3 million, via THR. The movie cost a reported $250 million to make. Will they cut even? And why is such a cult classic struggling?
-
Mixed Reception: The film received a lukewarm reception from audiences and critics. Many felt the remake lacked the charm of the original animated classic, with some criticizing its updates and casting choices, including the decision to reimagine some characters and elements of the story.
-
Controversial Casting and Comments: Actress Rachel Zegler, who plays Snow White, made headlines for controversial comments about the original animated character, which alienated some fans. Additionally, some felt the casting choices and changes to the traditional story didn’t resonate with long-time Disney fans.
-
Tired Concept: Disney’s live-action remakes of animated classics have become increasingly formulaic, leading to audience fatigue. Many feel the remakes lack the magic of the original films and are simply cash grabs, making people less likely to turn out.
-
Competition: The movie faced tough competition from other summer blockbusters, which drew audiences away from Snow White. With so many other exciting films vying for attention, it struggled to stand out.
-
Shifting Tastes: There has been a shift in the types of movies audiences are interested in. Audiences, especially younger viewers, are gravitating toward original content and more diverse, inclusive stories, which could have impacted the appeal of a classic Disney fairy tale.
-
Negative Buzz: The film was plagued by negative press surrounding production issues, delays, and changes, which may have led to a lack of anticipation or interest from the public.
These factors combined have contributed to the movie’s disappointing box office performance worldwide. As a Disney Fan myself I probably will watch it…..eventually…. 
