Disney’s Live-Action “Snow White” Box Office Failure: Is Racial Representation the True Problem?

Disney has encountered another significant setback in its ongoing transformation of animated classics into live-action spectacles. Following a tepid response to The Little Mermaid last year, the recent reimagining of Snow White has not only drawn extensive criticism but is also being marked as a box office failure, and not necessarily for the reasons many might expect.

Disney Snow White Live-Action Flops at Box Office

Originally inspired by Disney’s first full-length animated film, the 1937 classic “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, ” the live-action adaptation was anticipated to evoke nostalgia. Instead, it has sparked outrage due to its contentious reworking of the narrative and character interactions. While the choice of Latina actress Rachel Zegler for the role of Snow White ignited debates over diversity and representation, the prevailing criticisms from both viewers and critics have shifted towards the film’s disjointed plot and inadequately integrated contemporary themes.

A Box Office Catastrophe Exceeding “The Little Mermaid”

Upon its debut on March 19, “Snow White” secured the No.2 spot on the box office charts but soon saw a drastic drop to fourth place. By its sixth day in theaters, the film had amassed only 130, 000 ticket sales in South Korea—less than one-third of what “The Little Mermaid” achieved in the same timeframe, a film already deemed a commercial letdown.

On a global scale, the film’s performance remains dismal. It earned $43 million in North America during its opening weekend, with a total of just $87 million worldwide. Given its hefty production budget of $240 million, industry experts, including those from Variety, have labeled “Snow White” a definitive box office flop, unlikely to recover its costs.

The critical and audience reception has been equally disappointing. As of March 25, the film boasts a mere 43% on Rotten Tomatoes and a staggering low score of 1.9 out of 10 on IMDb—marking it as the lowest-rated Disney live-action adaptation to date.

A Narrative That Undermines the Original Without Cohesion

Before its theatrical release, the film attracted criticism for its casting choices—particularly Zegler in the role of Snow White, traditionally portrayed with “skin as white as snow.” This led to accusations against Disney of pandering to political correctness.

However, post-release, the narrative issues took center stage, with many viewers reporting confusion and dissatisfaction over the storyline’s coherence. Significant narrative alterations that appeared to dismantle the original fairy tale in favor of current social themes have not resonated well, eliciting considerable frustration among audiences.

Key critiques of the film’s storyline include:

A narcissistic queen who targets Snow White not for her appearance, but for her perceived “inner goodness.”
A romantic arc involving a bandit leader rather than the classic prince archetype.
Snow White portrayed as an activist rallying against authority alongside commoners.

Many felt these changes were poorly executed and emotionally unengaging.

International reactions have echoed similar sentiments:

The Times UK commented, “This once-revered entertainment giant now seems to resent its own legacy.”
The New York Post lamented that “a timeless classic has been turned into a meaningless, awkward live-action.”
The Independent charged the studio with performing “the bare minimum while hoping no one would notice the lack of substance behind cute CGI animals.”
The BBC criticized the narrative as “messy and chaotic.”

As Disney persists with its trend of reinterpreting animated classics into live-action features, the backlash surrounding “Snow White” serves as a critical lesson. While the commitment to diversity in casting is a commendable direction, both fans and critics are calling for more than just superficial changes—they demand meaningful storytelling that honors the original spirit while adapting thoughtfully for contemporary audiences.

Source&Images