In a stunning turn of events, AMC Theatres, one of the largest cinema chains in the United States, has reportedly begun canceling showings of Disney’s live-action Snow White remake due to abysmal ticket sales and a lack of audience demand. This development marks a new low for the film, which has been mired in controversy since its announcement and is now shaping up to be one of Disney’s most significant box office failures in recent memory. With fan backlash showing no signs of slowing down and debates surrounding star Rachel Zegler continuing to dominate headlines, the decision by AMC raises serious questions about the film’s future and Disney’s broader strategy for live-action remakes.
A Historic Box Office Crash
Disney’s Snow White, released on March 21, 2025, was anticipated to be a major hit, given the iconic status of the 1937 animated classic it was based on. Starring Rachel Zegler as Snow White and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, the film boasted a reported budget exceeding $240 million, making it one of Disney’s most expensive live-action remakes to date. However, the film has struggled to connect with audiences, failing to cross the $100 million mark domestically and falling short of $200 million globally after nearly a month in theaters. Analysts now predict a staggering loss of over $115 million for Disney, cementing Snow White’s status as a financial disaster.
The film’s poor performance has been attributed to a combination of factors, including mediocre reviews—currently sitting at a 40% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes—and widespread audience apathy. Critics have pointed to lackluster CGI, an anticlimactic ending, and controversial changes to the original story, such as the decision to portray Snow White as a feminist leader rather than a traditional princess. These creative choices have alienated some fans, who have taken to social media to voice their dissatisfaction, often targeting Zegler for her outspoken comments about the original animated film and her political views.
AMC Pulls Showings as Demand Dries Up
The latest blow to Snow White comes from AMC Theatres, which has reportedly started pulling the film from select locations across the United States. According to multiple sources, the decision was made in response to plummeting ticket sales, with some screenings drawing only a handful of viewers. This move is highly unusual for a Disney blockbuster so early in its theatrical run and underscores the extent of the film’s commercial failure. While AMC has not issued an official statement confirming the cancellations, insiders suggest that the chain is reallocating screens to more profitable films to minimize losses.
The cancellations follow reports that Snow White dropped out of the box office top five in its fourth weekend, shedding over 1,200 venues in the process. With theater chains prioritizing screen space for new releases and holdovers with stronger demand, Snow White is struggling to maintain a foothold in cinemas. This development is particularly embarrassing for Disney, as it signals a lack of confidence from exhibitors in the film’s ability to recover.
Controversy Fuels the Fire
Much of the discourse surrounding Snow White has centered on Rachel Zegler, whose casting as the titular princess sparked heated debates long before the film’s release. Critics of the casting argued that Zegler, who is of Colombian descent, did not fit the traditional image of Snow White, echoing similar backlash faced by Halle Bailey in Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Zegler’s comments about the 1937 animated film, in which she described it as “extremely dated” and criticized its portrayal of women, further inflamed fans, who accused her of disrespecting a beloved classic.
Additionally, Zegler’s vocal pro-Palestine stance on social media has been a lightning rod for controversy, with some fans threatening to boycott the film over her political views. Her co-star, Gal Gadot, has also faced scrutiny for her contrasting opinions on the Israel-Palestine conflict, leading to rumors of tension between the two actresses. While Disney has remained largely silent on these issues, the studio’s apparent inability to manage the narrative has allowed the controversies to overshadow the film itself.
Disney’s Live-Action Remake Strategy in Question
The Snow White debacle has sparked broader concerns about the viability of Disney’s live-action remake strategy. Once a reliable cash cow, with hits like Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King grossing over $1 billion each, the studio’s recent remakes have shown signs of fatigue. The Little Mermaid (2023) and Mufasa: The Lion King (2024) both underperformed relative to expectations, and Snow White’s failure has intensified scrutiny on Disney’s approach. In response to the film’s poor performance, Disney has reportedly paused production on a planned live-action remake of Tangled, suggesting a potential reevaluation of its pipeline.
Analysts argue that audience fatigue, coupled with rising ticket prices and the availability of streaming options, may be dampening enthusiasm for remakes. With Snow White set to hit Disney+ in the coming months, some moviegoers may simply be waiting to watch it at home rather than paying for a theater ticket. Moreover, the polarized reception to modernized takes on classic stories highlights the challenge Disney faces in balancing nostalgia with innovation.
What’s Next for Snow White and Disney?
As Snow White continues to falter, questions remain about how Disney will handle the fallout. The studio may choose to quietly shift focus to the film’s eventual streaming release, where it could attract subscribers and generate revenue to offset its theatrical losses. However, the damage to the film’s reputation—and to Disney’s brand—may be harder to repair. For Rachel Zegler, the controversy has cast a shadow over her rising career, though supporters argue that she has been unfairly scapegoated for the film’s shortcomings. Her vocal performance as Snow White has received some praise, and upcoming projects may offer her a chance to move past the backlash.
The cancellation of Snow White showings by AMC Theatres is a stark reminder of the risks inherent in reimagining cherished classics. For Disney, it’s a wake-up call to rethink how it approaches its live-action remakes and manages public perception in an era of heightened scrutiny. As the studio navigates this embarrassing chapter, the fairytale of Snow White serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of straying too far from the magic that made Disney a household name.
