For years, Disney’s live-action remakes have functioned as a dependable cornerstone of the studio’s release calendar. But Snow White (2025) marked a departure from that pattern, delivering a rollout defined as much by conversation as by the film itself.
Intended to reintroduce the iconic princess for a new generation, the project instead became a case study in how modern audiences respond to reinterpretations of classic material.
The film faced challenges early on. A delay from its initial 2024 release date pushed Snow White into March 2025, where it arrived under intense scrutiny. Much of that attention stemmed from Rachel Zegler’s public comments about reshaping the character, particularly her emphasis on moving away from traditional romantic elements.
The reaction was immediate and divided. Some audiences embraced the updated direction, while others expressed concern that the remake departed too significantly from the original 1937 film. That split ultimately carried over into the box office, where Snow White earned just over $205 million worldwide—well below expectations given its reported $270 million budget.
The discourse extended beyond the film’s creative choices. Reports of friction between Zegler and Gal Gadot (Evil Queen) circulated during production, while both performers also became part of wider political discussions online. Meanwhile, Disney’s decision to scale back promotional efforts only added to speculation about the film’s trajectory.
Despite its theatrical struggles, Snow White experienced a shift in momentum upon its Disney+ debut. Streaming audiences showed strong interest, helping the film climb platform rankings and introducing it to viewers who may have skipped its theatrical run.
Even so, its awards season reception reinforced the film’s mixed legacy. At the Razzie Awards, it received recognition for Worst Supporting Actor (awarded to the film’s dwarfs) and Worst Screen Combo, closing out a notably uneven journey.
Lilo & Stitch (2025)
While Snow White faced headwinds, Lilo & Stitch (2025) demonstrated the continued strength of Disney’s remake formula when executed effectively. Originally intended for Disney+, the film was shifted to a theatrical release—a move that paid off significantly.
Premiering over Memorial Day weekend, the remake quickly gained momentum and ultimately surpassed $1 billion at the global box office. Its success highlighted the enduring appeal of the original story, as well as the importance of balancing familiarity with thoughtful updates.
Disney has frequently pointed to the Stitch franchise as one of its most valuable properties, sometimes outperforming even Mickey Mouse. Following the film’s strong performance, a sequel has already been confirmed. Lilo & Stitch 2 is scheduled for release in May 2028 under CEO Josh D'Amaro.
Moana (2026)
Next on Disney’s slate is Moana, a project that carries significant expectations due to the popularity of the 2016 animated film. However, the mixed response to Snow White serves as a reminder that audience reception can be difficult to predict.
The first trailer for Moana has already sparked debate, particularly regarding its visual approach. Unlike Snow White, which introduced notable changes, this adaptation appears to closely replicate its source material.
Dwayne Johnson returns as Maui, while Catherine Laga'aia takes over the title role from Auliʻi Cravalho, who remains attached as an executive producer. Johnson emphasized the importance of cultural representation in the production.
“We were doing our best to make sure that we were always representing our Polynesian culture in every department,” Johnson told Entertainment Weekly. “Some department heads, story, development, just everything.”
Director Thomas Kail also addressed the challenge of translating the animated film into a live-action experience.
“How do you honor this? How do you say ‘we love it too' and make it something that can be a companion and not try to be the same thing, but also trust what works?” the Hamilton director told the outlet. “The opportunity to have flesh and blood and have human beings tell the story and sing these songs and be in this world, there's something so fundamentally different about that experience of watching and feeling that.”
Tangled (TBD)
Looking further ahead, Disney is also developing a live-action Tangled. Although a release date has not yet been announced, early casting news has already generated interest. Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim will portray Rapunzel and Flynn Rider, respectively, with Kathryn Hahn cast as Mother Gothel.
Given the original film’s popularity and tone, Tangled could resonate strongly with audiences. However, Disney’s recent experiences suggest a careful approach may be necessary to ensure the adaptation meets expectations.
Collectively, these films illustrate a period of transition for Disney’s remake strategy. Under Josh D'Amaro, the studio appears to be navigating a more complex landscape, where audience expectations, online discussion, and creative choices all play a critical role in shaping outcomes.
The takeaway is increasingly apparent: success in this space requires more than revisiting familiar stories—it demands a careful balance between past and present.
How do you think Disney is handling its live-action remakes? Let us know in the comments down below!
