Disney’s Snow White Tops Box Office Despite Mixed Reviews.
Disney's live-action adaptation of the classic fairy tale Snow White has dominated the North American box office, earning an estimated $87.3 million (£67.5 million) globally during its opening weekend. Despite underwhelming reviews, nearly half of the total earnings came from North America, though this figure falls short of expectations for a film that reportedly cost over $270 million to produce.
The remake of the 1937 animated classic encountered controversy before its release, sparking debates over casting, political comments, and the inclusion of dwarfs. Critics took issue with the casting of Rachel Zegler, of Colombian descent, as Snow White, while actress Gal Gadot, who portrays the Evil Queen, faced backlash due to her pro-Israel comments. There was also ongoing discussion about whether dwarfs should be included in the film at all—whether live-action or CGI.
In China, the film failed to impress, ranking outside the top five movies in cinemas and earning under $1 million during its first three days. Entertainment consultant Patrick Frater speculates that the film's controversies, along with Hollywood’s declining impact in Asia post-pandemic, may have affected its appeal.
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On the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a dismal 44% from critics, while audience reactions are more favorable, with the "Popcornometer" rating at 73%. Some critics, like Kevin Maher of The Times, described the film as "that bad," while others, like David Rooney from The Hollywood Reporter, found it "mostly captivating." Nicholas Barber of the BBC said it was "not calamitous" but referred to it as a "mind-boggling mash-up" with its strange CGI dwarfs and muddled tone.
Conclusion
Despite the mixed reviews and controversies surrounding its production, Disney's Snow White has still managed to capture the box office spotlight, demonstrating its strong appeal with global audiences. The film's continued success shows that, even in the face of criticism, audiences can still find something to enjoy in Disney's reimagining of this beloved classic. It’s clear that Disney's legacy of bringing fairy tales to life remains strong, even as it navigates the challenges of modern storytelling.
