Hold onto your magical hats, Disney fans! This past weekend, Disney’s newest live-action adaptation “Snow White” claimed the top spot at the domestic box office, raking in a cool $43 million. While this figure might seem modest by Disney’s lofty standards, it left other debuting films in its fairy-dust trail, despite stirring quite the cauldron of controversy.
You might be wondering, what’s all the fuss about? The casting of Rachel Zegler, an actress of Colombian descent, as Snow White ignited discussions. More fuel was tossed on the fire as Zegler and her co-star, Gal Gadot (the wickedly alluring Evil Queen), found themselves publicly divided over the Gaza conflict. To top it off, the Seven Dwarves received a CGI makeover that left some fans scratching their heads. Interestingly, Disney opted to cut back on its marketing campaign and even barred journalists from the premiere’s red carpet.
Nevertheless, it seems the spell of bad publicity didn’t hex the film’s initial performance. Analysts believe that the most vocal online critics aren’t necessarily the same audience members taking their young children to the movies. Many parents were choosing between this fresh fantasy flick and older releases like “Paddington in Peru.”
However, there are whispers in the enchanted forest that audiences may be growing weary of Disney’s parade of animated-to-live-action reimaginings. “Snow White’s” debut has etched a record for the lowest opening weekend among Disney’s animation-to-live-action films, just below 2019’s “Dumbo,” which garnered $45 million (unadjusted for inflation).
But don’t fret, dear Disney devotees! The ultimate test for “Snow White” will be its global box office performance over the coming months, along with its potential to turn into a merchandising treasure trove—a point noted by a movie franchising expert in a discussion with Variety.
What do you think about the controversies surrounding this adaptation? Did they impact your magical moviegoing experience? Share your thoughts in the comments below and don’t forget to share this tale with fellow Disney aficionados!
Source: Holly Van Leuven
