In a dramatic financial blow to Disney, the live-action remake of Snow White, released on March 21, 2025, is projected to lose an estimated $115 million, marking one of the studio’s most significant missteps in recent years. Starring Rachel Zegler as the titular princess and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, the film’s underwhelming box office performance—grossing just $225 million worldwide against a $410 million production and marketing budget—has sparked intense scrutiny. At the heart of the fallout lies Zegler, the 23-year-old actress whose controversial remarks and polarizing public persona have fueled speculation about her potential blacklisting from Hollywood. As Disney grapples with the fallout, the saga raises questions about the risks of live-action remakes, the power of social media, and the career trajectory of a young star caught in the crosshairs.
The financial debacle became evident shortly after the film’s debut. Opening with a modest $43 million domestically and $87 million globally, Snow White failed to meet the projected $45 million to $55 million domestic opening weekend estimates. By its second weekend, ticket sales plummeted 66%, earning just $14.2 million, a steeper drop than other Disney live-action flops like Dumbo (2019). With a production budget of $270 million, compounded by $111 million in global marketing and $29 million in residuals, the film’s total expenses soared. Despite projected revenues of $295 million from theatrical rentals, home entertainment, streaming, and merchandise, the shortfall leaves Disney facing a substantial loss. This figure could shift with future Disney+ viewership or theme park tie-ins, but the initial damage is undeniable, making Snow White a cautionary tale for the studio’s remake strategy.
Much of the blame has been directed at Zegler, whose off-screen comments ignited a firestorm. The controversy began in 2022 when, during promotion for West Side Story, she criticized the original 1937 Snow White for its portrayal of the prince as a “stalker” and its dated gender dynamics. These remarks, intended to highlight the remake’s modern approach, alienated traditional Disney fans, who saw them as a rejection of a beloved classic. The tension escalated in August 2024 when, after unveiling the film’s trailer at Disney’s D23 event, Zegler added a “free Palestine” postscript to her X thank-you note, a statement that garnered nearly four times the views of the trailer itself. This move, followed by an Instagram post after the 2024 presidential election wishing “Trump supporters … never know peace,” deepened the divide, prompting Disney to hire a social media guru to vet her posts.
The backlash extended beyond fan outrage. Reports suggest Zegler’s pro-Palestinian stance led to death threats against co-star Gal Gadot, an Israeli actress and former IDF member, forcing Disney to bolster her security. Producer Marc Platt reportedly flew to New York to address Zegler’s comments, urging restraint, but her refusal to back down strained her relationship with the studio. Critics argue her political stances alienated potential audiences, with some pointing to a boycott from pro-Israel and conservative viewers. The film’s casting of a Latina actress as Snow White, traditionally depicted with “skin as white as snow,” also drew racist backlash, further complicating its reception. Yet, the narrative of Zegler as the sole culprit oversimplifies a project plagued by production delays, a set fire, and the 2023 actors’ strike, which inflated costs.
Disney’s response has been telling. The studio scaled back the Hollywood premiere, limiting red-carpet access and canceling high-profile appearances for Zegler on shows like Saturday Night Live. Joint appearances with Gadot were minimized, reduced to mandatory events like the Oscars, where their interactions felt strained. This distancing suggests Disney’s attempt to shield the brand from further damage, with insiders hinting at frustration over Zegler’s “liability” status. Posts found on X reflect this sentiment, with some labeling her a “narcissist” who “hijacked” the film’s promotion, while others defend her as a talented actress unfairly scapegoated by a studio’s miscalculation.
The blacklisting question looms large. Industry sources claim Zegler’s IMDb page shows no upcoming projects, a stark contrast to her once-promising slate, including Paddington in Peru, from which she withdrew in 2023, citing the SAG-AFTRA strike. Rumors of her being replaced or fired have circulated, though Disney has not confirmed this. Some suggest her departure from Paddington may have been influenced by her Snow White controversies, despite official statements attributing it to union rules. Comparisons to actresses like Melissa Barrera, fired from Scream 7 for similar political views, and Susan Sarandon, who faced career setbacks, fuel speculation. However, supporters argue her talent—evident in West Side Story’s Golden Globe win—could see her rebound, especially with backing from figures like Melissa Barrera, who praised her integrity on Instagram.
The film’s critical and audience reception adds complexity. With a 40% Rotten Tomatoes score and a dismal 1.6/10 IMDb rating from nearly 200,000 votes, Snow White has been panned for its CGI dwarfs, disjointed plot, and lackluster songs by Pasek and Paul. Yet, audience scores on Rotten Tomatoes hit 74%, suggesting a disconnect between critics and viewers. Some argue the failure reflects oversaturation of Disney remakes—The Little Mermaid (2023) and Mufasa: The Lion King (2024) also underperformed—rather than Zegler alone. Director Marc Webb and producer Platt share responsibility for a $270 million production hampered by strikes and reshoots, yet Zegler’s visibility makes her an easy target.
Public reaction remains divided. On X, fans lament Disney’s “woke” direction, blaming Zegler’s comments for tanking a “billion-dollar franchise,” while others see her as a victim of a studio’s poor planning. Her defenders highlight her courage in speaking out, with some suggesting Disney’s losses stem from misjudging market demand for another remake. The controversy has also sparked broader debates about Hollywood’s handling of young stars, with Zegler’s unapologetic stance contrasting with Gadot’s more restrained approach, which avoided mixing geopolitics with promotion.
As of 09:40 AM +07 on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, the story continues to evolve. Disney has not commented on Zegler’s future, but the $115 million loss has prompted internal reviews, with some questioning the viability of live-action remakes under new studio boss David Greenbaum. Zegler, last seen in New York walking her dog, has remained silent, her somber demeanor fueling speculation about her next move. The Snow White debacle may mark a turning point for Disney’s remake strategy, potentially shifting toward avant-garde takes like Cruella rather than direct adaptations.
For Zegler, the outcome hinges on her resilience. If blacklisted, her career could mirror those of past Disney outcasts, but her vocal support base and talent suggest a possible comeback. For Disney, the loss is a stark reminder of the risks of betting big on nostalgia without aligning with audience expectations. As the dust settles, the Snow White saga stands as a cautionary tale of ambition, controversy, and the unpredictable dance between art and commerce in modern Hollywood. Whether Zegler emerges as a pariah or a phoenix remains uncertain, but her story has undeniably left an indelible mark on the industry’s landscape.
