‘Snow White’ Stumbles at the Box Office: A $43 Million Wake-Up Call

Disney’s latest live-action adaptation of the beloved classic “Snow White” has opened to disappointing box office numbers, garnering just $43 million in domestic ticket sales during its debut weekend. This figure is significantly below expectations, as the film’s global launch totaled $87.3 million, falling short of the projected $100 million goal. With the film’s production budget estimated at $250 million, not including marketing costs, the financial stakes are high, and the opening weekend performance has been described as lackluster, marking one of Disney’s sleepiest releases in recent years.

The film’s struggles can be attributed to several factors. Leading up to its release, “Snow White” faced significant controversies, particularly surrounding the casting of Rachel Zegler, who plays the titular role. Zegler, of Colombian and Polish descent, sparked discussions about representation and diversity in Hollywood, which may have influenced audience turnout. Additionally, the film’s narrative changes, including the absence of a traditional prince and the introduction of a “Robin Hood-style” bandit, have drawn mixed reactions from viewers.

In terms of box office performance, the opening weekend figures were particularly telling. The film earned $16 million on its opening Friday, indicating a slow start, and the overall earnings were less than Tim Burton’s “Dumbo,” which debuted to $45 million in 2019. The opening weekend figures also fell short compared to other recent Disney releases, reflecting a concerning trend of declining box office numbers for the studio.

Despite the disappointing start, some analysts believe there is potential for “Snow White” to recover in subsequent weeks. Family films often gain traction over time, and the film’s release coincided with spring break, a period when family-friendly movies typically perform well. However, the competition at the box office included Robert De Niro’s “Alto Knights,” which also underperformed, making the landscape even more challenging for “Snow White.”

The film’s reviews have been predominantly negative, further contributing to its poor box office performance. It received a B+ CinemaScore from audiences, which is lower than the typical A grade for Disney’s live-action remakes. This trend has led some media outlets to label the film a “flop,” raising questions about Disney’s future strategy regarding live-action adaptations of animated classics.

Moreover, the first quarter of 2025 has been slow for the box office overall, with “Snow White” contributing to this trend. Analysts have noted that the film’s performance may influence how Disney approaches its upcoming projects, especially in light of the recent underwhelming results. The marketing and promotional strategies employed for “Snow White” may also be scrutinized, as they appeared insufficient to attract a larger audience.

In conclusion, the opening weekend performance of “Snow White” serves as a wake-up call for Disney. While the film’s initial reception has been disappointing, there remains a possibility for recovery in the coming weeks. As audiences continue to seek engaging family content, Disney will need to reassess its approach to storytelling and marketing to ensure that future adaptations resonate with viewers. The challenges faced by “Snow White” may ultimately lead to a reevaluation of how beloved classics are reimagined for modern audiences.