The latest Disney reboot of the beloved “Snow White” tale, featuring stars Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, has unfortunately not mirrored its snowy fairy tale beginnings. Despite a substantial production budget exceeding $270 million, the remake has stumbled out of the gates, capturing only $87.3 million globally in its opening weekend. To put it bluntly, empty cinemas and minimal bookings during prime slots paint a rather grim picture.
The film has not only faced a challenging box office debut but has also contended with a storm of negative reviews and accusations of “wokeness.” The re-imagining of the Seven Dwarfs as “magical creatures” and polarizing pre-release comments from Zegler and Gadot have stirred considerable public debate. The movie currently holds a meager 44% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, further reflecting its lukewarm reception.
Patron turnout has been notably sparse. Reports from social media have illustrated the vacant theaters, with some weekend showings selling barely a ticket or none at all. One Twitter user noted, “Opening Friday night for Disney’s Snow White in Imax. Only ONE person bought tickets for tonight.” Visual evidence from these empty screenings confirms the dismal attendance, with one video revealing rows of unoccupied seats, humorously captioned “so many people here to watch Snow White.”
Viewer reactions have been mixed. Comments range from sharp disappointments over the convoluted storytelling to criticism of the over-reliance on CGI for the Seven Dwarfs. However, there are bright spots, as some audiences have praised the film’s adjustment to modern sensibilities and found the production enjoyable, if not brilliant.
Looking ahead, Disney faces a complex challenge in pivoting its strategy for future live-action remakes, such as the upcoming “Moana” and “Tangled” adaptations, as well as the imminent release of “Lilo & Stitch.” The underwhelming launch of “Snow White” raises pertinent questions about the viability and appeal of reimagining classics in a contemporary context.
What are your thoughts on this “Snow White” reboot? Do you think updates to classic tales can capture the magic of the originals? Share your opinions in the comments below and join the conversation!
Source: Alesia Fiddler
