Snow White Defies the Odds at the Box Office Despite Mixed Reactions
The live-action remake of Snow White has sparked heated discussions but still managed to lead the North American box office. However, mixed reviews and political controversy may have hurt its global performance.
Controversial Live-Action Remake Leads North American Charts but Falls Short Globally
Despite a flurry of negative reviews and a storm of controversy ahead of its release, the live-action adaptation of the classic fairy tale Snow White has managed to top the North American box office. The film opened to an estimated $87.3 million globally during its first weekend, nearly half of which came from domestic audiences in the United States and Canada. However, while this performance secured it the top spot in North America, the earnings fell short of expectations, especially considering the film’s reported budget of over $270 million.
A Surprising Box Office Leader
The film's debut was met with a mix of curiosity and skepticism. Given the popularity of the original 1937 animated feature, many industry watchers expected a blockbuster-level performance. Topping the domestic box office is no small feat, especially amid the ongoing shifts in global cinema and streaming habits. Still, the global total of $87.3 million is considered underwhelming for a film of this scale and investment.
The opening weekend numbers suggest that while the film managed to capture attention, it struggled to achieve the momentum expected of a big-budget reimagining of one of the most beloved fairy tales in cinematic history.
Controversy Overshadows the Fairy Tale
Much of the conversation surrounding the film has focused less on its plot and visuals, and more on the cultural and political discourse it inadvertently ignited. Even before its theatrical debut, the live-action Snow White was mired in debate. A primary point of contention was the casting of Rachel Zegler, a Colombian-American actress, in the role of Snow White. While many welcomed the diverse casting, others argued it strayed too far from traditional depictions of the character.
Zegler also faced scrutiny over her public political comments, including pro-Palestinian statements that drew both praise and criticism. Meanwhile, Gal Gadot, who plays the Evil Queen, became a target of backlash for her pro-Israel stance. These controversies fueled a firestorm of social media debates, contributing to a polarized reception of the film even before audiences saw it.
Dwarfs and Digital Debates
Adding to the list of divisive decisions was the portrayal of the seven dwarfs. The choice to use CGI characters instead of casting actors with dwarfism prompted a wide-ranging debate about representation and authenticity in Hollywood. For some, the use of computer-generated dwarfs marked a step forward in creative freedom, while others viewed it as a missed opportunity for inclusive casting.
The film’s use of CGI across the board also received criticism for its lack of realism and emotional depth, with some reviewers calling it “creepy” and overly artificial. The visual style seemed to divide viewers, with many saying it detracted from the storytelling rather than enhancing it.
Polarized Critical Reception
On Rotten Tomatoes, the film currently holds a critic score of just 44%, signaling widespread dissatisfaction among professional reviewers. In contrast, audience sentiment appears to be more forgiving, with a 73% approval rating on the platform’s “Popcornometer,” indicating that many viewers found the film entertaining despite its flaws.
Critics have not held back. One described the film as “toe-curlingly terrible,” citing its muddled tone and confusing narrative. Others have been slightly more generous, labeling it “mostly captivating” and praising its ambition, even if execution fell short. One critic called the movie a “mind-boggling mash-up,” capturing the general sense of disorientation shared by viewers and reviewers alike.
Weak Performance in International Markets
While Snow White saw a modest degree of success in North America, its performance in international markets told a different story. In mainland China—a market of over 1.4 billion people—the film failed to break into the top five during its opening weekend. It grossed less than $1 million in its first three days, a disappointing figure for any global release of this scale.
Analysts attribute this to several factors, including a growing disinterest in Hollywood films across Asia since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The controversies tied to the film may have also played a role in dampening enthusiasm overseas, where cultural sensitivities differ and political statements by actors can have amplified repercussions.
The Most Divisive Film of 2025?
In many ways, Snow White has become a cultural flashpoint, serving as a mirror for ongoing debates about diversity, representation, political expression, and the future of storytelling in Hollywood. Rather than being a universally beloved revival of a classic, the film has emerged as one of the most divisive releases of 2025.
Whether the controversy surrounding the film ultimately helped or hindered its box office success remains open for debate. What is clear, however, is that the film has left a lasting impression—not necessarily for its artistry, but for the conversations it has sparked.
As more viewers continue to form their own opinions, the true legacy of Snow White may lie not in its ticket sales, but in its ability to capture the cultural moment and reflect the complexities of modern entertainment.
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