Disney’s live-action Snow White has debuted at the top of the North American box office despite facing a wave of negative reviews and controversy. The film earned an estimated $87.3 million globally during its opening weekend, with nearly half of that coming from North America. However, this performance falls short of expectations for a film with a reported production budget exceeding $270 million.
The film, a reworking of Disney’s 1937 animated classic Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, was surrounded by various controversies even before its release. One of the major points of contention was the casting of Rachel Zegler, who is of Colombian descent, in the role of Snow White. This sparked a debate over the film’s cultural representation.
Further controversies arose around Zegler’s pro-Palestinian comments and the contrasting pro-Israel stance of Israeli actress Gal Gadot, who plays the Evil Queen. Additionally, the portrayal of the dwarfs in the film—whether live-action or CGI—has sparked ongoing debate.
In China, the film struggled, failing to break into the top five at the box office and earning less than $1 million in its first three days. Entertainment industry consultant Patrick Frater speculated that the film’s multiple controversies may have dampened its appeal, particularly in Asia, where Hollywood films have seen a decline in popularity since the pandemic.
The film has received poor critical reviews, with its Rotten Tomatoes score standing at just 44%. However, audience reactions are more favorable, with the “Popcornometer” giving it a score of 73%. Critics have been divided—The Guardian’s Wendy Ide called it “toe-curlingly terrible,” while The Hollywood Reporter’s David Rooney found it “mostly captivating.” The BBC’s Nicholas Barber described it as a “mind-boggling mash-up” with “creepy CGI dwarfs” and a “muddled tone.”
Despite these mixed reviews and controversies, Snow White still managed to top the box office, although its long-term success remains uncertain.