Disney’s Snow White (2025), once slated as a major spring tentpole for The Walt Disney Company, has now exited the box office race.
Announced back in 2016, the live-action retelling of the 1937 animated classic has been in and out of headlines for nearly a decade. Casting Rachel Zegler (West Side Story, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes) in the lead role in 2021 reignited public attention, though not all of it positive. Between 2022 and 2025, the project became a flashpoint for criticism, ranging from creative decisions to updates made to classic elements.
Originally targeting a March 2024 theatrical window, the release was delayed due to the dual WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, eventually landing in spring 2025. However, by the time it opened, the film was already facing heightened scrutiny over a range of issues: the new interpretation of the seven dwarfs, the exclusion of musical staples like “Someday My Prince Will Come,” and broader concerns around how it approached Walt Disney’s original vision.
When Snow White debuted on March 21, 2025, it brought in $47 million domestically—a disappointing figure given initial expectations of $60–70 million and a lack of major competition in the marketplace. With a current worldwide total of $147 million, the film is on track to lose an estimated $115 million, with a production budget nearing $270 million. That performance places it among the most financially disappointing Disney releases in recent memory.
In the aftermath of the film’s underperformance, a number of developments have emerged. Variety released a detailed report examining the situation surrounding the film, including an analysis of Zegler’s promotional conduct. Meanwhile, Jonah Platt—son of producer Marc Platt—posted and later deleted a social media response to the backlash. Internally, Disney is said to have shelved its live-action adaptation of 2010’s Tangled, reportedly in reaction to the response and financial performance of Snow White.
Two weeks later, the spotlight has shifted. Disney’s Snow White has been overtaken by another major release: Warner Bros.’ A Minecraft Movie (2025).
Directed by Jared Hess and headlined by Jack Black and Jason Momoa, the feature-length adaptation of Mojang’s globally popular video game is currently tracking toward a $130–$150 million opening weekend. That estimate follows an initial $50 million debut, including Thursday previews, and currently positions it as 2025’s biggest opening to date—surpassing Marvel Studios’ Captain America: Brave New World, which brought in $88 million on its debut weekend.
“Warners, just like you started a sensation with Barbie, you did again with A Minecraft Movie,” Deadline wrote Friday night. “We’re getting reports of auditoriums full of middle schoolers hooting, hollering, and shouting out meme lines from the game. Kids are jumping on top of seats and dancing in the aisles when Jack Black breaks out in song. A Minecraft Movie mania is real, and ticket sales keep building up like bricks…”
The contrast between the two releases has raised questions about Disney’s current marketing approach. Promotional efforts for Snow White were notably muted, with few major premieres or strategic campaigns tied to social platforms. The limited visibility of stars Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot (who portrays the Evil Queen) was especially noticeable. Reported political tensions between the two may have contributed to the subdued rollout. In the days following release, Zegler did make an effort to boost the film’s profile online, celebrating its global number one status on social media.
By comparison, A Minecraft Movie rolled out with a full promotional push, including a McDonald’s Happy Meal campaign that generated interest across age groups. Much like Barbie, audience reactions have quickly gone viral across platforms like TikTok, where theatergoers are sharing their viewing experiences in real-time.
Disney, despite the setback, still has recent success stories in its animation division. Inside Out 2 and Moana 2, both released in 2024, each passed the billion-dollar mark globally. However, as the studio looks ahead to the release of Pixar’s original film Elio (2025), there’s uncertainty around theatrical turnout. Recent history suggests audiences may choose to wait for streaming—though Elemental (2023) eventually found its footing overseas, suggesting that a second-wave performance isn’t out of the question.
Disney’s Snow White and A Minecraft Movie are currently in theaters.
What’s your take on Disney’s recent theatrical slate? Will you be seeing A Minecraft Movie in theaters this weekend? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
