Disney’s live-action Snow White remake was supposed to be a surefire hit. After all, we’re talking about a film that’s based on the company’s first full-length animated feature from 1937—the one that kickstarted the Disney empire.

But instead of building anticipation, this project has been dogged by controversy, backlash, and skepticism from the start. And now, as the release date creeps closer, it looks like Disney is pulling out all the stops to try and salvage what’s shaping up to be a financial flop.
Credit: Disney
So, how exactly is Disney trying to turn things around? Believe it or not, the company seems to be banking on popcorn buckets. Yep, you read that right. As strange as it sounds, Disney is leaning into themed merchandise to offset potential losses from the film’s lukewarm reception. But before we dive into the popcorn bucket strategy, let’s rewind a bit to see how things got to this point.

A Rocky Road for the Fairest of Them All

From the get-go, Snow White has faced an uphill battle. The movie, starring Rachel Zegler as Snow White and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, was originally slated for a 2024 release. But amid the chaos of the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes—and growing public backlash—Disney decided to push the film back a full year to March 21, 2025​.

The delay didn’t do much to quiet the storm. Fans took issue with several aspects of the film, from changes to the original storyline to Zegler’s controversial comments during the promotional tour.

The trailer was bombarded with dislikes online, and thousands of Disney fans vowed to boycott the movie altogether. Even with Zegler trying to shift the narrative by expressing her love for the original Disney films, the damage seemed done​.
Disney now finds itself in a tough spot, set to potentially lose millions on the film.

Enter: The Popcorn Bucket Strategy

So, what’s Disney’s solution? Enter AMC’s Snow White popcorn bucket, an unexpected player in this high-stakes game. Recently unveiled online, the popcorn bucket is designed to look like one of the mine carts used by the Seven Dwarves. It’s even filled with “treasure” and lights up, making it a flashy (and maybe a bit distracting) addition to any movie outing​.

 

The bucket comes in five different color schemes, giving fans the option to pick their favorite—or collect them all. While AMC hasn’t announced pricing yet, if history is any indication, these collectible buckets could fetch a hefty price.

We’ve seen it happen before with other movies. Remember the Dune: Part Two sandworm bucket? Or the wild designs for Deadpool & Wolverine? These quirky pieces of merch have become a surprisingly big deal, often selling out quickly and reselling for insane prices online​.

Disney seems to be banking on this trend. While the movie itself may be struggling to generate excitement, the company knows that limited-edition merch can tap into a different kind of fan fervor—one driven by collectors and nostalgia.
Credit: Disney

Can a Popcorn Bucket Really Save Snow White?

The big question is: Can a popcorn bucket really make that much of a difference? Well, yes and no.

On the one hand, merchandise sales have become a huge revenue stream for movie studios. Disney, in particular, has mastered the art of turning every film into a merchandising juggernaut. Even if a movie underperforms at the box office, sales of toys, apparel, and collectibles can help cushion the blow.

On the other hand, relying on a popcorn bucket to save a struggling film feels like a long shot. Sure, die-hard Disney fans and collectors might rush to grab one of the Snow White buckets. But will that be enough to make up for a potential box office flop? Probably not.
What’s more, the popcorn bucket strategy might even backfire. Some fans have already criticized Disney for focusing more on merchandise than on making quality films. If Snow White turns out to be a dud, no amount of flashy popcorn buckets will distract from that fact.

As we inch closer to the March 21, 2025 release date, all eyes will be on Disney to see if Snow White can defy the odds. The company’s decision to double down on merchandise, starting with the AMC popcorn bucket, is an interesting one. It’s a clear sign that Disney knows it’s facing an uphill battle and is looking for any way to soften the blow.

In the end, though, it’s going to come down to the film itself. If Snow White can win over audiences despite the backlash, it might just find its happily ever after. But if the negative buzz continues to overshadow the movie, no amount of collectible merch will be able to save it.

So, will you be grabbing a Snow White popcorn bucket when it hits theaters? Or are you planning to skip this one altogether? Either way, Disney’s gamble on this film—and its merch—will be something to watch.