Disney’s Snow White, directed by Marc Webb, continues to face challenges as its theatrical run underwhelms in the wake of controversy and divided fan reception.
Debuting on March 21, 2025, a full year behind schedule, the reimagining of the 1937 classic has failed to connect with many audiences. Despite a hefty production budget exceeding $270 million, the film has only managed to collect $82 million domestically and $182 million globally so far. Early projections had hoped for a $53 million opening in North America, but even that modest benchmark wasn’t reached.
A major focal point of discussion has been Rachel Zegler’s portrayal of the titular princess. In 2022, Zegler drew heat for stating that her Snow White wouldn’t be saved by a prince, calling the original film’s romantic plot outdated and even referring to the prince as someone who “stalks” her character. The comments triggered backlash from longtime fans who felt the remake was disregarding the emotional core of the beloved original.
The screenplay, written by The Girl on the Train’s Erin Cressida Wilson, attempts to modernize the fairy tale. However, that bold creative direction has become a lightning rod for criticism, not just for Zegler’s take, but also for the film’s depiction of the dwarfs, casting choices, and broader narrative shifts.
In a recent interview, Zegler acknowledged the emotional intensity fans bring to the original film, saying the backlash stemmed from how deeply people care about the 1937 version.
Complicating matters further, Zegler and co-star Gal Gadot’s real-life dynamic has sparked speculation. At the 97th Academy Awards, the pair presented together, which many interpreted as a PR move to counter negative press. But Zegler’s absence of any social media posts featuring Gadot post-release, along with the film’s pared-down European and U.S. premieres, only fanned rumors of a fractured relationship, allegedly due to differing political views.
Adding to the film’s woes, Snow White was recently banned in Lebanon. As reported by Variety, “The ban was ordered by Lebanon’s Interior Minister Ahmad Al-Hajjar…amid Israel’s ongoing attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon, which have caused civilian deaths.” The move is tied to Gal Gadot’s Israeli nationality and her past service in the IDF. A representative from Italia Films, Disney’s Middle East distributor, confirmed that no movie featuring Gadot has ever been released in Lebanon. “Gadot has long been on Lebanon’s ‘Israel boycott list,’” the source told Variety.
The political discourse intensified after Zegler tweeted “Free Palestine” on X in 2024, the same day she shared the official trailer. Coming after the October 7 attacks in Israel, the post reignited debates about both actresses’ public stances and how those views might affect the film’s international reach and reception.
Despite these ongoing issues, Disney has moved forward with a new live-action contender. Lilo & Stitch—originally planned as a Disney+ exclusive—has pivoted to a full theatrical release. The move mirrors the company’s recent strategy with 2024’s Moana 2, and it appears to be paying off.
According to Deadline, early tracking suggests a domestic opening north of $100 million for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. “Six weekend-in-advance tracking has hit for both movies on Quorum, with Lilo & Stitch eyeing a $100M+ 3-day opening…” the outlet reports.
Meanwhile, the ensemble cast of Snow White includes Andrew Burnap as Jonathan, Ansu Kabia as the Huntsman, Jeremy Swift as Doc, Andrew Barth Feldman as Dopey, Tituss Burgess as Bashful, George Salazar as Happy, Martin Klebba as Grumpy, Andy Grotelueschen as Sleepy, and Jason Kravits as Sneezy.
Whether Disney’s Snow White finds a second wind on Disney+ or quietly exits stage left remains to be seen. What’s clear is that the studio’s live-action formula is facing more scrutiny than ever.
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