In a remarkable turn of events, Disney’s much-anticipated live-action adaptation of “Snow White” has hit a major snag, becoming mired in controversy and speculation surrounding its lead actresses, Gal Gadot and Rachel Zegler. Early box office estimates projected an opening weekend revenue of $48 to $58 million, but the film managed only $43 million, signaling potential disaster for the studio.

The tension between Gadot, portraying the Evil Queen, and Zegler, playing Snow White, has been palpable, with rumors of on-set disagreements and a notable absence of unity during promotional events. Zegler’s choice to skip a Hollywood ceremony honoring Gadot raised eyebrows, further fueling speculation about their strained relationship. Insiders report that the set atmosphere was challenging, with disagreements over creative decisions leading to walkouts and delays that inflated the production’s already hefty $250 million budget.

Critics have also pointed to significant creative changes, including the removal of beloved characters and alterations to iconic scenes, as factors that alienated traditional fans. While some hailed these adjustments as modernizations, others felt they stripped the film of its original charm.

As promotional efforts falter and audience anticipation wanes, industry insiders warn that the internal discord may overshadow the film’s narrative quality. With ticket sales sluggish and social media conversations rife with debate over the stars’ personal conflicts, the film’s future looks uncertain.

Both Gadot and Zegler’s contrasting public statements have only deepened the divide, leading to widespread speculation about whether the project can recover. As the opening weekend approaches, the stakes are high for Disney, which must navigate the fallout from this behind-the-scenes turmoil. The broader implications for future adaptations and the industry’s approach to managing star-driven conflicts remain to be seen, but one thing is clear: the saga of “Snow White” is far from over.