Disney’s live-action remake of Snow White has claimed the top spot at the North American box office, despite facing widespread criticism and controversy.
The film earned an estimated $87.3 million (£67.5 million) globally in its opening weekend, with nearly half of that coming from North America.
However, the numbers fall short of expectations for a production that reportedly cost over $270 million to make.
The film, a reimagining of Disney’s 1937 animated classic Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, encountered significant backlash long before its release.
Casting decisions sparked debate, particularly regarding lead actress Rachel Zegler, who is of Colombian descent.
Further controversy emerged from political tensions, as Zegler’s pro-Palestinian remarks and co-star Gal Gadot’s pro-Israel stance fueled online discourse.
Additionally, the decision to replace the traditional dwarfs with CGI characters led to further debate.
The movie struggled internationally, failing to break into the top five films in China, where it earned less than $1 million in its first three days.
Industry experts suggest that the controversies, coupled with declining Hollywood influence in Asia, contributed to its underperformance.
Critics have been divided. On Rotten Tomatoes, Snow White holds a 44% critics’ score, while audience reception is more favorable at 73%. Reviews have ranged from harsh to cautiously optimistic.
The Observer’s Wendy Ide called it “toe-curlingly terrible,” while The Hollywood Reporter’s David Rooney described it as “mostly captivating.”
BBC’s Nicholas Barber labeled the film a “mind-boggling mash-up,” noting its eerie CGI dwarfs and inconsistent tone.
Despite the film’s struggles, Disney’s live-action adaptations continue to generate interest, proving that nostalgia-driven remakes still hold box office appeal—even amid controversy.
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