Disney’s “Snow White” remake— billed simply as Snow White — flopped dramatically, earning just $205.5 million on its massive $410 million budget. This “financial fiasco” marks Disney’s worst wide‑release remake in nearly a decade.
Critics and analysts point to a perfect storm of controversies. Peter Dinklage slammed the depiction of the dwarfs. Rachel Zegler drew fire with her outspoken takes, including tweets like “free Palestine” and sharp criticism of the 1937 original. These remarks, combined with delayed release and a muted premiere, damaged the film’s appeal.
Critics also offered no quarter. Rolling Stone quipped it “may not be the worst… though it’s a strong contender for its blandest.” Another critic labeled it “toe‑curlingly terrible,” while Variety described its marketing as “media mismanagement” that “blunted… box‑office prospects.” The remake’s budget ballooned to $270 million, yet barely reached $300 million globally— far short of the $500 million threshold for profitability.
However, recent data offers hope. Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch remake grossed $341 million worldwide, suggesting that accessible nostalgia can still succeed.
The Snow White debacle underscores a lesson for Disney: political messaging, overt modernization, and contentious CGI can alienate core viewers. Analysts advise returning to basics – strong storytelling, respectful updates, and clear marketing.
