Disney's Snow White: Controversies, delays & box office uncertainty
Disney's live-action Snow White faced delays, controversies, and budget woes. Casting backlash, political disputes, and a $270 million cost led to low confidence and uncertain box office projections.
Mar 21, 2025, 23:18 IST
Disney’s live-action Snow White finally landed in theaters on March 20, 2025, but its been a wild and troubled ride. What began as a promising plan to remake the 1937 classic — Disney’s first animated feature — became plagued by delays and controversies. As per The Guardian report, the film, starring Rachel Zegler as Snow White and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, has stumbled, backlash and production woes, making it the year’s most cursed movie.
Disney's live-action adaptation of Snow White has encountered a series of controversies, production delays, and growing concerns about its box office performance.
Controversies Surrounding the Film
Casting Choices: The selection of Rachel Zegler, an actress of Colombian and Polish heritage, as Snow White sparked debates about representation and fidelity to the original character. Some critics argued that the role should reflect the traditional depiction of Snow White.
Narrative Modernization: Zegler's comments about reimagining Snow White as a more independent character, focusing on self-discovery rather than romance, led to discussions about altering classic narratives to align with contemporary values.
Portrayal of the Seven Dwarfs: The decision to reimagine the seven dwarfs drew criticism, notably from actor Peter Dinklage, who expressed concerns about reinforcing stereotypes associated with dwarfism.
Production Delays
The film's development, initiated in 2016, faced multiple setbacks, including:
Budget Overruns: The production budget escalated to over $270 million, raising concerns about financial viability.
Strikes: Concurrent writers' and actors' strikes contributed to delays, affecting the film's production timeline.
Box Office Projections
Initial forecasts for Snow White's box office performance have been adjusted downward:
Opening Weekend Estimates: Projections now suggest a domestic opening between $45 million to $50 million, a significant decrease from earlier estimates.
Marketing Challenges: In response to controversies, Disney has reduced promotional efforts, potentially impacting audience turnout.
Critical Reception
The film has received mixed reviews:
Performances: Zegler's portrayal of Snow White has been praised for its sincerity, while Gal Gadot's Evil Queen received criticism for lacking depth.
Visual Effects: The CGI representation of the dwarfs has been described as unsettling by some critics.
In summary, Disney's Snow White remake faces a challenging landscape, marked by controversies, production hurdles, and uncertain box office prospects.