Disney’s live-action Snow White had a rocky start at the U.S. box office, making just $16 million on opening day, with early projections suggesting a total of around $45 million for the weekend. A far cry from the $95 million opening weekend of The Little Mermaid earlier this year, this remake of the 1937 classic has its work cut out—especially with a hefty production cost of $250 million.
Snow White’s “Not So Magical” Numbers
While Snow White may claim the number-one spot this weekend but it falls short of the expectations set by other Disney remakes. For comparison, Cinderella (2015) opened with a cool $91.8 million on a smaller budget of $138 million. So, what’s going wrong? Well, let’s talk controversies.
A Royal Mess of Controversies
The film’s casting has stirred up a storm. Rachel Zegler, of Colombian descent, plays Snow White, sparking backlash from critics unhappy with a POC princess. Meanwhile, Gal Gadot’s casting as the Evil Queen hasn’t helped, with some viewers criticizing her military background. Oh, and don’t forget the CGI dwarfs.
Can Snow White Still Break Even?
While the film is a hit with families and young girls, its future at the box office could depend on whether it can shake off the negative buzz. Disney is hoping for some steady growth, but only time will tell if this fairy tale gets its “happily ever after” at the box office.
