The latest live-action remake of Disney’s classic film, “Snow White,” hit theaters over the weekend, but the response was less than magical. Starring Rachel Zegler as Snow White and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, the film debuted in the U.S. and Canada with a disappointing revenue of $43 million, falling short of initial predictions. Analysts had anticipated the movie to earn between $45 million to $55 million in its opening weekend, making its lackluster performance quite the surprise.
Unexpected Box Office Numbers
Despite landing in first place domestically, “Snow White” will need to pick up the pace in the coming weeks to break even, given its hefty production cost of $250 million before marketing expenses. The film also brought in $44 million from international markets, resulting in a total global debut of $87 million. These figures pale in comparison to other recent Disney live-action remakes like Tim Burton’s “Dumbo,” which grossed $353 million worldwide, leaving “Snow White” falling short of expectations.
Audiences have given “Snow White” a lukewarm reception, with a CinemaScore rating of “B+,” indicating a tepid response from moviegoers. The slow start to the year at the box office has been a cause for concern among analysts, as overall results have been lower compared to the same period last year. Despite recent hits like “Dune: Part Two” and “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire,” the industry was hoping for a stronger first quarter.
Challenges and Controversies
Leading up to its release, “Snow White” faced various controversies, including backlash over the casting of Zegler, who is of Colombian and Polish descent, as the lead character. Criticism also arose over the film’s modern updates to the original animated movie, such as changes to Snow White’s romance with Prince Charming. Additionally, questions were raised about the portrayal of little people in the film and the actors’ differing viewpoints on the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Despite these challenges, Disney’s strategy of remaking animated classics into live-action films continues. By revisiting familiar stories and addressing outdated elements, Disney aims to breathe new life into beloved characters and generate interest across various platforms. These remakes serve as a way to connect with audiences, drive merchandise sales, and expand the Disney brand beyond the big screen.
The success of live-action remakes like “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Lion King” has shown that these films can be lucrative ventures, even if they don’t have a blockbuster opening weekend. Family-friendly movies like “Snow White” often have a longer shelf life, appealing to audiences over time and finding success through word-of-mouth and repeat viewings. As the film industry continues to evolve, the performance of movies like “Snow White” will be measured not just by their initial box office numbers, but by their lasting impact on audiences.
In the end, the true test of a film’s success lies beyond its opening weekend. As “Snow White” navigates through its theatrical run, its performance in the weeks to come will reveal the lasting legacy of this classic tale retold for a new generation.
