Disney’s live-action remake of “Snow White” has been widely deemed a historic flop following its disappointing box office performance during its opening weekend. The film, which features Rachel Ziegler as the titular character, opened to underwhelming numbers, raking in only $14.2 million from approximately 4,200 theaters, a staggering 66% drop from its first week. This has led to speculation about the reasons behind its failure, particularly in light of Ziegler’s controversial comments that have sparked backlash.

Critics and audiences alike are pointing to the film’s poor reviews as a significant factor in its lackluster reception. Analysts have noted that the film’s messaging and Ziegler’s public persona might have alienated potential viewers. The film’s production budget, reportedly around $370 million, has left many questioning if it can recover its costs, especially given its current trajectory of earning only $66.8 million domestically and $43.19 million globally.

The situation has been exacerbated by a surprising upset at the box office, where a blue-collar drama outperformed “Snow White” in its second week. This shift indicates a growing preference for more relatable content among moviegoers, contrasting sharply with the themes presented in Disney’s latest offering.

Despite the film’s dismal performance, Disney remains optimistic, suggesting that upcoming school breaks and a lack of competing films targeting the same demographic could provide a lifeline for “Snow White.” However, industry experts warn that this optimism may be misplaced, as many theaters are struggling to attract audiences amid a broader trend of box office underperformance.

The failure of “Snow White” serves as a cautionary tale for Hollywood, highlighting the potential pitfalls of prioritizing social messaging over audience engagement. As the industry grapples with these challenges, it remains to be seen how Disney and others will adapt to the evolving tastes of moviegoers.