Snow White was first published as a story in 1812 by the Brothers Grimm in Germany, in their collection of fairy tales called Grimm’s Fairy Tales.
Since then, the tale has been translated or adapted into versions in over 100 countries worldwide. It was first made into a movie in 1937 by Walt Disney in the United States, becoming the famous animated film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
Disney’s live-action remake of Snow White, released on March 21, 2025, has stirred up a storm of controversy, drawing sharp criticism from fans, critics, and media outlets alike. From casting choices to storyline changes, the film has become a lightning rod for debate.
But what exactly is fueling the backlash? How has it performed financially compared to expectations, and what was the cost to bring this reimagined classic to life?
Backlash Over the Storyline, Political Stances and Creative Choices
The star of the movie Rachel Zegler, has stirred conversation in the past with her activity on X, where she has posted bold and controversial statements. Among her notable tweets, Zegler once wrote a now-deleted message on January 6, 2021, saying, “F (profanity slur) you @ realDonaldTrump”.
Additionally, she has shared pro-Palestine sentiments, including a post in August 2024 that read, “and always remember, free palestine,” alongside a promotion for the Snow White trailer, sparking both support and backlash online. The question is, should politics stay out of the work place, even if someone’s occupation is an actress/actor?
Her social media presence has made her a polarizing figure, amplifying the buzz around the film’s release.
One of the other reasons for the backlash is the significant departure from the original 1937 animated film’s storyline.
Additionally, the decision to render the Seven Dwarfs as CGI characters instead of casting actors with dwarfism sparked outrage, with some in the dwarfism community and their advocates arguing it erased meaningful representation.
The storyline changes also include downplaying the prince’s role, a move Zegler herself highlighted in past interviews, calling the original love story “weird” and outdated.
While intended to appeal to contemporary audiences, this alteration has alienated a portion of Disney’s fanbase who see it as a betrayal of the fairy tale’s roots.
Casting Controversies: Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot
The casting of Rachel Zegler, a Latina actress of Colombian descent, as Snow White ignited a firestorm from the moment it was announced in 2021.
Critics online pointed to the character’s description in the Brothers Grimm tale—and accused Disney of straying from tradition.
Zegler faced racist backlash, prompting her to defend her role. Her outspoken political views, including a since-deleted Instagram post wishing unrest on Trump supporters, further fueled calls for boycotts.
Gal Gadot, cast as the Evil Queen, has also drawn scrutiny. Her past service in the Israeli military and pro-Israel stance clashed with Zegler’s vocal support for Palestine, reportedly creating tension between the co-stars and amplifying public discontent.
These polarizing choices have turned the actors into focal points of the film’s criticism.
Box Office Performance: A Disappointing Debut
Financially, Snow White has underperformed compared to Disney’s lofty expectations. The film grossed $43 million domestically and $87.3 million worldwide during its opening weekend, according to Box Office Mojo.
While this made it the top earner for that weekend, it’s a far cry from the $100 million global opening Disney reportedly projected. In contrast, previous live-action remakes like Beauty and the Beast ($174.7 million) and The Jungle Book ($103.2 million) saw much stronger debuts.
With a production budget estimated at $250 million—excluding marketing costs—the film faces an uphill battle to break even. Analysts suggest Disney is banking on a long theatrical run to recoup its investment, but early numbers indicate it could be one of the studio’s lowest-performing live-action remakes to date.
Production Costs: A High-Stakes Gamble
Disney spared no expense on Snow White, pouring over $200 million into production, with some estimates reaching as high as $250 million.
This hefty price tag reflects the film’s ambitious scope, including extensive CGI for the dwarfs and lavish sets. However, the high cost has only intensified scrutiny of its lackluster box office returns, with many questioning whether the investment was worth it given the divisive reception.
What News Outlets Are Saying
Major news outlets have weighed in on the film’s struggles, often highlighting different aspects of the controversy. CNN reported on the cultural firestorm, noting that “Disney’s attempt to modernize Snow White has instead reignited debates over representation and fidelity to source material.” The outlet pointed to the casting and the CGI dwarfs as key flashpoints, suggesting the film’s woes reflect broader tensions in Hollywood’s remake trend.
Fox News took a sharper tone, focusing on the financial fallout and perceived ideological missteps. “Disney’s ‘Snow White’ reboot, dogged by woke controversies, flops with a measly $43 million opening,” they wrote, citing Zegler’s comments about the original film and the backlash over “political correctness” as reasons for its failure. Fox News also quoted critics who panned the acting as “stiff” outside of Zegler’s performance.
Movie Critics’ Takes
Critics have been divided, with the film earning a 44% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on initial reviews. Some praised Zegler’s charisma and singing, with Collider’s Ross Bonaime calling her “a bright spot in an otherwise uneven film.”
However, others were less kind. The Guardian dubbed it “toe-curlingly terrible” and “exhaustingly awful,” slamming its pacing and CGI as “visually repellent.” Rolling Stone went further, labeling it “Disney’s most controversial adult-nightmare ever,” criticizing its “strange, hot mess” of a narrative.
Public Opinion: A Mixed Bag
The public’s response, as reflected in a 74% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and a B+ CinemaScore, is more favorable than critics’ views but still lukewarm for a Disney blockbuster.
Social media platforms like X reveal a polarized audience. Some fans rally behind Zegler, arguing the film’s fresh take is a bold evolution, while others decry it as a “woke disaster,” with posts lamenting its $200 million-plus budget and “visually repellent” aesthetics. The hashtag #BoycottSnowWhite trended briefly, driven by those upset over the casting and storyline shifts.
While it’s made $87.3 million globally so far, it’s fallen short of the $100 million opening weekend target and faces a daunting road to recover its $250 million production cost.
Critics are split, news outlets like CNN and Fox News highlight its cultural and financial struggles, and the public remains divided.
Whether this reimagined tale can find its happily-ever-after at the box office remains uncertain, but for now, it’s a cautionary tale of high stakes and higher scrutiny in the world of live-action remakes.
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