Disney’s live-action adaptation of Disney Snow White has dominated the North American box office, despite receiving less-than-enthusiastic reviews. The film earned approximately $87.3 million globally in its opening weekend, according to Box Office Mojo, with nearly half of that revenue coming from North America.
However, the box office performance falls short of expectations for a movie with a production budget reportedly exceeding $270 million.
The reimagining of the 1937 animated classic seemed poised for success but encountered a series of controversies that have marred its release.
The remake of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs became embroiled in social and political debates even before hitting theaters worldwide. Criticism first emerged regarding the casting of Rachel Zegler, of Colombian descent, as the iconic heroine.
Additionally, Zegler’s pro-Palestinian comments and the pro-Israel remarks made by Israeli actress Gal Gadot. Who portrays the Evil Queen, further fueled the controversy.
Another point of contention has been the depiction of dwarfs in the film. The sparking debate about whether they should be portrayed at all, either through live-action or computer-generated imagery (CGI).
In China, the film struggled to make a significant impact, ranking outside the top five at the box office. In a country with a population of over 1.4 billion. Snow White earned less than $1 million during its first three days in theaters.
Controversies Impacting Film’s Appeal
Patrick Frater, an entertainment industry consultant, speculated that the controversies surrounding the film may have dampened its appeal. He also noted that the influence of Hollywood productions in Asia has been on the decline since the onset of the pandemic.
On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has earned a low critic score of 44%, though the audience rating. Which is known as the “Popcornometer,” is significantly higher at 73%. Critics have been divided in their assessments. The Observer’s Wendy Ide described the film as “toe-curlingly terrible,” while The Hollywood Reporter’s David Rooney found it “mostly captivating.”
Despite its flaws, including the unsettling CGI dwarfs and a disjointed tone, Snow White is not considered a complete disaster. As BBC critic Nicholas Barber put it, the film is “a mind-boggling mash-up” that, while not disastrous. Certainly doesn’t live up to the legacy of the original.
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