Disney’s latest live-action remake, “Snow White,” has debuted with less-than-stellar box office numbers, sparking discussions about its potential to reach profitability given its substantial budget. The film, starring Rachel Zegler as the iconic princess, opened to $43 million domestically and $87.3 million globally, figures that fell short of the lofty expectations set for such a high-profile release.
A Rocky Start for the Beloved Tale
The mood at Disney was notably subdued following the initial box office returns, which saw “Snow White” earn a global total of $86.1 million, as reported by Comscore. This opening is particularly concerning considering the film’s massive $270 million production budget, compounded by an additional estimated $100 million marketing spend. In comparison, the film’s performance is alarmingly close to that of Disney’s 2019 “Dumbo,” which, despite a lower budget of $170 million, only managed to gross $353 million worldwide.
The Challenge of Sustaining Viewer Interest
“Snow White” finds itself in a precarious position, needing to gross between $300 million and $400 million just to approach breaking even, a benchmark that seems increasingly challenging given the current box office trajectory. Box office experts and rival studio executives suggest that reaching a safe zone of $500 million might be a stretch for this title. “The long-term playability in theaters, eventual streaming, merchandising, music revenue plus theme park tie-ins will be crucial to its profitability,” notes Comscore’s chief box office analyst, Paul Dergarabedian.
Audience Reception and Political Controversy
While Disney films typically enjoy high audience ratings, “Snow White” received a rare B+ CinemaScore, indicating mixed reactions. The film did score higher with female viewers and those under 18, who gave it an A-. However, the film has not been without controversy, particularly surrounding its lead actress Rachel Zegler. Zegler’s outspoken criticism of former President Donald Trump’s policies led to a backlash from conservative groups, who dubbed the film “Snow Woke” and initiated calls for a boycott.
Despite these challenges, data suggests that the political controversy may have had less impact on ticket sales than anticipated. According to Steve Buck of EnTelligence, “Snow White” actually overindexed in typically conservative ‘red’ states, comprising 40% of its ticket sales, which is higher than the average for family films.
Navigating Through Production Setbacks
The production of “Snow White” was not without its hurdles; the budget ballooned due to strict COVID-19 protocols, labor strikes in 2023, and even a fire on set. Initially greenlit with a budget ranging between $200 million and $210 million, unforeseen circumstances necessitated additional funds and creative adjustments. The transition in leadership at Disney’s live-action studio also introduced new dynamics, with David Greenbaum, the new head, suggesting further tweaks to the project.
Looking to Historical Successes for Hope
Despite the rocky start, Disney remains hopeful, drawing parallels to past successes where films have rebounded after a slow start. A notable example is “Mufasa: The Lion King,” which multiplied its opening earnings nearly sevenfold. Disney might still secure a “fairy tale ending” for “Snow White” through sustained interest and additional revenue streams beyond the box office.
As “Snow White” continues its theatrical run, its ultimate fate remains uncertain. Disney and its supporters are undoubtedly watching closely, hoping that this modern take on a classic fairy tale can still capture the hearts of a global audience and turn its initial misfortunes around. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether “Snow White” can indeed conjure a magical turnaround in its box office narrative.