Disney’s live-action remake of “Snow White” was supposed to be a major hit, following the footsteps of successful adaptations like “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Lion King.” However, when “Snow White” hit theaters in 2025, it quickly became clear that this remake wouldn’t follow the same path. Instead of dominating the box office, it turned into a “Snow White box office flop.” But why?

Snow White Box Office Numbers: A Disappointing Start

Let’s start with the numbers. “Snow White” opened with a surprisingly low $43 million in its first weekend at the domestic box office. For a movie that cost over $250 million to produce, that’s a huge disappointment. Disney had hoped for a strong performance, similar to their earlier hits like “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Lion King.”

Globally, the film’s performance was slightly better, with about $87.3 million in earnings. However, this still wasn’t enough to justify the massive budget, especially when compared to the $500 million or more that Disney’s other remakes have made.

Rotten Tomatoes Snow White: A Critical Disaster

It wasn’t just the box office that faltered. The Rotten Tomatoes score for “Snow White” is a mere 43%, showing that critics weren’t impressed either. Critics called out the movie for being overly sentimental and lacking the charm of the original. Many reviewers also noted that the film’s pacing was sluggish and its storyline didn’t live up to expectations.

Even with a cast led by Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, who are both talented and well-known, the movie couldn’t overcome its storytelling flaws. Disney’s attempt to modernize a classic fairy tale seemed to fall flat with both audiences and critics.

IMDb Snow White: Audience Response and Rating

On IMDb, the movie’s rating has also suffered. While it wasn’t as low as the Rotten Tomatoes score, the audience response has been far from favorable. With numerous reviews questioning the film’s plot, pacing, and casting choices, the audience’s feedback has mirrored the critical reception. This poor rating on IMDb shows that the movie’s lack of connection with viewers was a key factor in its box office failure.

Rachel Zegler Controversy: The Casting Backlash

One of the main reasons behind the “Snow White box office flop” can be traced to the controversies surrounding the film’s production. From the casting of Rachel Zegler as Snow White to the portrayal of the seven dwarfs, the remake faced several public relations challenges that may have impacted its reception.

Rachel Zegler’s casting was one of the most discussed points. While some applauded the choice for its diversity, others criticized it. Zegler, who is of Colombian descent, did not fit the traditional image of Snow White, leading to debates about racial representation in Hollywood.

Additionally, Zegler’s comments about racial identity, particularly in relation to her casting in “West Side Story”, added fuel to the fire. The controversy around her casting in “Snow White” became a lightning rod for debates about race and representation in Hollywood, further polarizing the movie’s audience.

Gal Gadot’s Role: Mixed Reactions and Public Disputes

Another point of contention was Gal Gadot’s involvement in the film. While Gadot is a well-known and beloved actress, her participation in “Snow White” also sparked public debates. Her previous statements on sensitive political issues added to the drama surrounding the film. Despite her fame, some fans were divided over her role in the movie, which added an extra layer of controversy that detracted from the film’s success.

Box Office Struggles and Audience Disconnect: Why the Snow White Box Office Flop Happened

Another reason for the “Snow White box office flop” could be the film’s failure to connect with its audience. Disney’s live-action adaptations have often been successful because they appeal to both younger viewers and older fans who grew up with the original animated films. However, “Snow White” didn’t seem to capture the attention of either group.

For younger audiences, the film’s slower pacing and heavy use of CGI made it harder for them to stay engaged. For older fans, the deviations from the original story might have felt like a betrayal. The film seemed to miss the mark in appealing to both groups, making it difficult to generate a lasting connection.

Snow White Rotten Tomatoes: Critics Rip Apart Disney’s Latest Remake

While Rotten Tomatoes is often a good indicator of a film’s critical reception, “Snow White” struggled to win over even the most loyal fans. Critics on Rotten Tomatoes criticized everything from the film’s dialogue to its lack of emotional depth. Even with a star-studded cast, the film failed to live up to the legacy of its animated counterpart.

The Controversy Around the Dwarfs: A Factor in the Snow White Box Office Flop

In addition to casting and representation issues, the depiction of the seven dwarfs was another point of contention. The choice to cast “normal-sized” actors in these roles instead of individuals with dwarfism angered many people. The film’s producers claimed it was an effort to avoid the use of outdated stereotypes, but many felt the decision was a missed opportunity to cast actors with dwarfism in a meaningful and respectful way.

Peter Dinklage, in particular, called out Disney for not consulting the dwarf community about their portrayal. His public criticism only added fuel to the fire, and the backlash led to a deeper conversation about representation and inclusivity in Hollywood.

What’s Next for Disney?

So, what does the “Snow White box office flop” mean for Disney’s future? It’s clear that the studio is facing challenges when it comes to live-action remakes. After several successes, there’s now the reality that not all of these adaptations will land. With Disney also pushing forward with other live-action versions of their animated classics, it’s uncertain how audiences will respond.

The failure of “Snow White” may push Disney to rethink its approach to remakes. There’s a need for greater sensitivity in casting choices and a better understanding of the audience’s desires. Simply modernizing a classic or casting stars for the sake of diversity isn’t enough. Disney will need to balance creativity with respect for the original material.

Final Thoughts on the Snow White Box Office Flop

In the end, “Snow White” 2025 couldn’t recapture the magic of the original. The combination of a weak box office performance, negative critical reception, and public controversies made it clear that this remake was a flop. Disney will likely need to rethink its approach to live-action remakes in the future. While “Snow White” may not have worked out, the lessons learned from its failure could lead to better and more thoughtful adaptations down the road.