In a stunning turn of events, Disney’s live-action remake of “Snow White,” starring Rachel Zegler, has been pulled from theaters after a dismal box office performance, sparking controversy and backlash against the young actress. The film, with a reported production cost of $270 million, has been described as a major financial failure, leaving Disney executives scrambling to address the fallout.
Zegler, who has openly criticized the original 1937 “Snow White,” faced immense scrutiny following her remarks about the film’s traditional themes, which she deemed outdated. Her comments, along with a shift in the film’s narrative focus away from romance and love, have drawn ire from audiences who sought the classic fairy tale charm. Critics have labeled the film as an embodiment of “woke” culture gone awry, with many arguing that the changes alienated the very fans the film aimed to attract.
As the opening weekend yielded a mere $43 million, a staggering 66% drop in ticket sales followed, resulting in projections of a potential loss nearing $300 million. This staggering loss has led to a broader discussion within Hollywood about the direction of major studio productions and the perceived necessity for political correctness in storytelling.
Social media has amplified the criticism, with fans and industry insiders alike mocking the film’s failure and Zegler’s perceived detachment from reality. The actress’s previous statements about her own star power have now become fodder for ridicule, as empty theater seats stand in stark contrast to her claims of popularity.
As Disney contemplates the future of its live-action adaptations, an unexpected shift in strategy may emerge. The box office disaster of “Snow White” could signal a retreat from overt political messaging in favor of more traditional storytelling methods. The industry is watching closely to see how this failure influences future projects and the careers of those involved, particularly Zegler, who now faces a challenging path ahead in Hollywood.