Disney’s live-action remake of Snow White, starring Rachel Zegler as Snow White and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, has faced criticism and disappointing box office results since its release on March 21, 2025. Despite high expectations and a massive production budget, the film’s reception has been lukewarm, sparking debates on casting choices, political opinions, and the modernization of a beloved classic.
Box Office Struggles
- The film earned $87.3 million globally during its opening weekend—falling short of the $100 million target.
- With production costs exceeding $250 million and millions more spent on promotion, the movie’s performance is considered underwhelming.
- Analysts suggest the backlash surrounding the film’s changes and controversies has negatively impacted audience turnout.
- Disney aimed to replicate the success of previous live-action adaptations like The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast, but Snow White has failed to meet similar milestones.
Creative Changes Spark Fan Outrage
- Disney’s 2025 reimagining makes significant changes to the original 1937 animated classic, which some fans see as a departure from the story’s essence.
- The film introduces a new love interest and shifts the focus from the traditional “prince saving the princess” narrative to a more independent and empowered Snow White.
- Iconic songs from the original have been either reworked or removed altogether, frustrating fans nostalgic for the classic soundtrack.
- The seven dwarfs, a beloved part of the original tale, have been replaced by a group of magical companions created using CGI. This decision aimed to avoid reinforcing stereotypes but sparked criticism for not casting actors with dwarfism.
Casting Controversy
- Rachel Zegler’s casting as Snow White was part of Disney’s effort to promote diversity. As a young actress of Polish and Colombian descent, she represents a modern reimagining of the classic princess.
- However, her casting faced backlash from some fans who argued that Snow White should remain true to her “skin as white as snow” depiction from the original fairy tale.
- In response to the criticism, Zegler emphasized her excitement about bringing a Latina perspective to the role, while Disney defended their decision as part of a broader effort to reflect the modern world.
- Further controversy emerged when Game of Thrones actor Peter Dinklage criticized the portrayal of the seven dwarfs, prompting Disney to adopt a new approach with CGI characters. While intended to avoid negative stereotypes, the decision disappointed members of the dwarfism community who felt overlooked for potential roles.
Political Tensions Between Stars
- Reports suggest that the promotion of the film has been marred by personal and political tensions between Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot.
- Zegler has publicly expressed support for the Palestinian cause, including posting “Free Palestine” on social media following the film’s trailer release. Her outspoken political stance has polarized audiences and reportedly strained her relationship with Disney.
- Gal Gadot, an Israeli actress and former soldier in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), has taken a strong pro-Israel stance. Following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks, Gadot publicly voiced her support for Israel, further intensifying the divide between her and Zegler.
- During press events and public appearances, the actresses’ lack of chemistry has been noticeable, with minimal joint interviews and photo opportunities. Disney canceled press interviews at the film’s Hollywood premiere to avoid difficult questions on the matter.
Gal Gadot’s Polarizing Performance
- While Rachel Zegler’s performance has received some praise for bringing a modern and empowered take to Snow White, Gal Gadot’s portrayal of the Evil Queen has been widely panned as overly theatrical and lacking nuance.
- Critics argue that Gadot’s interpretation of the iconic villain fails to capture the chilling menace of the original character.
- Despite the backlash, some fans have praised Gadot’s glamorous and visually striking appearance in the role, highlighting her commanding on-screen presence.
Critical Reception and Audience Response
- The film currently holds a 44% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics citing its lack of emotional depth and failure to recapture the magic of the original.
- Audience reviews have been similarly mixed, with many viewers expressing disappointment in the film’s creative choices and perceived political undertones.
Disney’s Future with Live-Action Remakes
- Disney’s track record with live-action remakes remains mixed. While hits like Aladdin and The Lion King achieved billion-dollar box office success, other projects, including Mulan and Snow White, have faced criticism and financial underperformance.
- The company faces increasing pressure to balance nostalgia with modern storytelling while addressing representation in a meaningful way.
- Despite the setbacks, Disney remains committed to reimagining its classic films, with live-action adaptations of Hercules and Moana already in development.
Despite Disney’s attempt to modernize Snow White, the film has struggled due to creative changes, casting decisions, and political controversies—resulting in poor reviews and box office performance. Gal Gadot’s portrayal of the Evil Queen has further divided audiences, while tensions between the lead actresses have added to the film’s turbulent reception.
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