Disney’s live-action remake of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, released on March 21, 2025, was anticipated to be a triumphant reimagining of the 1937 animated classic that launched the studio’s legacy. Starring Rachel Zegler as the titular princess and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, the film promised a modernized take on the Brothers Grimm fairy tale, complete with new songs and a focus on female empowerment. However, the film has faced a tumultuous journey, marked by controversies, critical backlash, and a disappointing box office performance. Disney’s desperate attempt to revive the film with a theatrical re-release over Mother’s Day weekend in May 2025 fell flat, underscoring the challenges the studio faces in navigating cultural shifts and audience expectations.

A Promising Start Marred by Controversy

When Disney announced Rachel Zegler, a Latina actress of Colombian and Polish descent, as Snow White in June 2021, the casting sparked immediate backlash from some conservative fans who argued that Zegler’s ethnicity did not align with the character’s traditional description of having “skin as white as snow.” Zegler addressed the criticism head-on, stating in a since-deleted X post, “Yes, I am Snow White, no I am not bleaching my skin for the role.” The film’s narrative clarified that Snow White’s name derived from a snowstorm at her birth, not her complexion, aiming to diffuse racial critiques. Yet, the debate persisted, echoing similar controversies surrounding Halle Bailey’s casting as Ariel in The Little Mermaid (2023).

Zegler’s outspokenness added fuel to the fire. At Disney’s D23 fan event in August 2024, she celebrated the Snow White trailer’s 120 million views but followed with a post saying, “and always remember, free Palestine.” This political statement, viewed 8.8 million times, alarmed Disney executives, who sent producer Marc Platt to New York to urge Zegler to remove it. She refused, straining her relationship with the studio. Further controversy arose when Zegler criticized the 1937 original, calling the prince’s pursuit “weird” and describing the film as dated in its portrayal of women. These comments alienated purists who cherished the original’s nostalgic charm.

Additional controversies included the decision to depict the seven dwarfs as CGI “magical creatures” rather than casting actors with dwarfism, following criticism from actor Peter Dinklage about perpetuating stereotypes. The move, intended to address inclusivity concerns, instead drew accusations of sidestepping representation, further polarizing audiences.

A Disappointing Box Office Run

Despite high expectations, Snow White struggled at the box office. With a reported production budget exceeding $270 million—some estimates suggest up to $350 million with marketing—the film needed to gross at least $600 million worldwide to break even. Its opening weekend on March 21, 2025, yielded a modest $42.2 million domestically and $87.3 million globally, far below projections for a Disney tentpole. By May 2025, the film had earned $86.5 million domestically and $202.8 million worldwide, a significant shortfall. The second weekend saw a 66% drop, with only $14.2 million domestically, as it was overtaken by Jason Statham’s A Working Man.

Critics delivered mixed reviews, with Rotten Tomatoes reporting a 40% “rotten” score based on 255 reviews, though audiences gave it a 72% “fresh” rating on the Popcornmeter. Reviewers praised Zegler’s luminous performance and vocal prowess, with Variety noting her “pertly appealing glow” and The New York Times calling her “sweet and spunky.” However, the film was criticized for its “lifeless script,” “artificial CGI,” and failure to balance modernization with the original’s charm. Gal Gadot’s portrayal of the Evil Queen received mixed feedback, with some calling it stylish but others deeming it lackluster compared to Zegler’s standout role.

The film’s narrative changes, such as replacing the prince with a bandit named Jonathan (Andrew Burnap) and emphasizing Snow White’s leadership over romance, were seen as both progressive and divisive. Critics like Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian called the film “exhaustingly awful” for its “pseudo-progressive additions,” while others appreciated the attempt to update the story for modern audiences. The CGI dwarfs and cluttered subplots, including Jonathan’s band of thieves, were often cited as detracting from the story’s emotional core.

The Mother’s Day Re-Release Fiasco

Hoping to capitalize on Mother’s Day weekend, Disney re-released Snow White in over 1,330 theaters on May 9–11, 2025, just before its digital release on May 13. The move was seen as an attempt to boost box office numbers and appeal to families, leveraging the film’s themes of maternal relationships and female empowerment. However, the re-release was a resounding failure, grossing a mere $335,000 domestically—an average of about 17 tickets sold per theater, assuming a $15 ticket price. This dismal performance cemented Snow White’s status as a financial disappointment, with losses estimated at over $100 million.

Posts on X reflected public sentiment, with users like @cosmicbooknews and @DanRamo07555230 labeling the re-release a “historic flop” and mocking Disney’s strategy. The timing, coinciding with Mother’s Day, was questioned, as some argued a different Disney classic might have resonated more with audiences. The re-release’s failure was compounded by the film’s imminent digital availability, reducing the incentive for theater visits.

Zegler as Scapegoat and Star

Much of the blame for Snow White’s failure has been directed at Zegler, with critics citing her controversial statements as alienating audiences. Jonah Platt, son of producer Marc Platt, publicly criticized Zegler on Instagram, accusing her of hurting the film with her “immature” social media posts, though he later deleted the comment. Disney insiders echoed this sentiment, with one anonymous source telling Vulture, “The reality is Rachel Zegler should not be playing Snow White.”

However, Zegler has also garnered significant support. Fans on social media praised her courage, with film critic David Ehrlich posting on X, “Rachel Zegler RULES and so obviously has a lifetime of incredible roles & performances ahead of her.” Vanity Fair noted that efforts to scapegoat Zegler were backfiring, as her performance was widely lauded as the film’s highlight. Her singing and charisma were seen as carrying the movie through its weaker elements, with Jacobin calling her “the only bright spot in an otherwise cynical cash grab.”

Zegler’s next move is a departure from Hollywood’s spotlight. She is set to star as Eva Perón in a West End production of Evita in London, running from June to September 2025, signaling a return to her stage roots. She also has a role in the indie comedy-drama She Gets It from Me with Marisa Tomei, playing a daughter reconnecting with her ex-punk rocker mother. These projects suggest Zegler is pivoting to smaller, character-driven roles, possibly to escape the intense scrutiny she faced with Snow White.

Disney’s Broader Challenges

The Snow White debacle reflects broader issues for Disney’s live-action remake strategy. While films like The Lion King (2019) and The Little Mermaid (2023) achieved commercial success despite controversies, Snow White’s failure highlights audience fatigue with remakes perceived as deviating too far from beloved originals. The film’s 1.6/10 IMDb rating, driven by review bombing, underscores the toxic online discourse surrounding it. Disney’s hesitation to address Zegler’s comments publicly, wary of legal precedents like Gina Carano’s lawsuit against the studio, further complicated its response.

As Disney navigates a cultural shift toward conservatism, as noted by Newsweek, and faces pressure from figures like President Donald Trump, who branded the studio “woke,” the Snow White experience may prompt a reevaluation of how the studio balances modernization with nostalgia. For now, Zegler remains a polarizing yet undeniably talented figure, with her performance in Snow White proving her star power even as the film itself falters.

In conclusion, Snow White’s box office struggles and failed Mother’s Day re-release highlight the challenges of adapting cherished classics in a polarized cultural landscape. While Zegler’s luminous performance earned praise, it couldn’t salvage a film weighed down by controversy, high costs, and execution missteps. As Disney licks its wounds, Zegler’s move to stage and indie projects suggests a promising, if quieter, path forward for the young star.