Disney’s Snow White Opens at Number One Despite Mixed Reviews and Controversies

Disney’s live-action remake of Snow White has debuted at the top of the North American box office, earning approximately $87.3 million globally in its opening weekend. However, this performance falls short of expectations given the film’s reported $270 million budget. The movie has been mired in controversy, from backlash over casting choices to debates about its portrayal of the seven dwarfs. Lead actress Rachel Zegler faced criticism for her pro-Palestinian stance, while co-star Gal Gadot was scrutinized for pro-Israel comments. Despite strong branding and Disney’s history with remakes, the film struggled internationally, particularly in China, where it failed to crack the top five and earned less than $1 million in three days. Reviews have been divided, with critics largely unimpressed—holding a 44% score on Rotten Tomatoes—while audiences have been more receptive, rating it at 73%. Some have praised its visuals, while others called it a confusing and unnecessary update. The film’s underwhelming performance reflects both changing audience tastes and the declining appeal of Hollywood productions in Asian markets since the pandemic.