‘Snow White’: Once Upon a PR Nightmare

It all began with what was supposed to be a crown jewel in Disney’s ever-growing collection of live-action remakes. But ‘Snow White’ quickly became the stuff of corporate horror stories.

From its controversial casting to an unconvincing marketing campaign and audience backlash over modernized themes, the film struggled to gain traction even before it hit theaters. And once it did, the numbers told a grim tale.

Opening to just $28 million domestically—a figure far below expectations—‘Snow White’ has grossed a mere $89 million worldwide after three weeks, against a production and marketing budget of nearly $215 million. 💸

“It’s a catastrophe,” said one studio insider who asked not to be named. “They tried to be bold, but they forgot the one thing Disney used to know better than anyone: don’t mess with the classics.”

Stock Market Reaction: DIS Takes a Hit

The dismal performance of ‘Snow White’ has had immediate repercussions on Disney’s stock (NYSE: DIS). Following the film’s release, shares experienced a noticeable decline as investors reacted to the potential financial fallout. The underperformance has raised concerns about Disney’s current strategy of live-action remakes and its overall content direction.​

Contributing Factors: Controversies and Criticisms

Several issues have been identified as contributing to the film’s failure:

Casting Backlash: The selection of Rachel Zegler, a Latina actress, as Snow White sparked debates about staying true to the original character’s depiction.

Political Statements: Zegler’s outspoken political views, including her support for Palestine, contrasted with co-star Gal Gadot’s pro-Israel stance, leading to reported on-set tensions and public controversy.

Creative Choices: The decision to use CGI for the seven dwarfs instead of casting actors with dwarfism was met with criticism, as was the film’s overall approach to reimagining the classic tale.

Production Challenges: The film faced multiple delays due to industry strikes and a set fire, further complicating its release timeline.

Broader Implications for Disney

The failure of ‘Snow White’ has prompted Disney to reassess its live-action remake strategy. Plans for other remakes, such as ‘Tangled,’ have been put on indefinite hold as the company evaluates the viability of future projects . This introspection comes at a time when Disney is already navigating challenges in its traditional TV networks and theme parks divisions.

Industry and Audience Reactions

The film’s poor reception has ignited discussions about Hollywood’s approach to remakes and the balance between honoring original works and introducing modern interpretations. Critics argue that ‘Snow White’ lacked the charm and magic of the original, with some citing weak CGI and uninspired performances as detriments. The controversy surrounding the film also reflects broader tensions in the entertainment industry regarding political activism and its impact on public perception.

Looking Ahead: Disney’s Path Forward

In response to the fallout, Disney is expected to focus on revitalizing its creative strategies and addressing the concerns raised by both audiences and investors. The company may prioritize original content and more carefully considered remakes to restore its reputation and financial stability. The upcoming release of ‘Moana’ in 2026 will be a critical test of Disney’s ability to bounce back from this setback.

​Disney’s ‘Snow White’ debacle serves as a cautionary tale about the complexities of modern filmmaking, audience expectations, and the delicate interplay between art and commerce. As the company navigates this turbulent period, the entertainment industry watches closely to see how the House of Mouse will adapt and evolve in the face of adversity.