Disney's live-action "Snow White" remake underperforms at the box office, earning $87 million globally in its opening weekend. The film faces criticism over casting, storyline alterations, and CGI portrayals, leading to mixed reviews and audience reactions.
Key Points
- Underwhelming Box Office Performance: The film grossed $87 million globally in its opening weekend, below expectations.
- Critical Reception: "Snow White" holds a 43% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating mixed reviews.
- Controversies: The movie faced backlash over casting choices, narrative changes, and the portrayal of the seven dwarfs.
Underwhelming Opening Weekend
Disney's latest live-action remake, "Snow White," debuted to a lackluster box office performance, garnering $87 million globally and $43 million in the United States during its opening weekend. These figures fell short of the projected $100 million, raising concerns about the film's profitability, especially considering its substantial production budget exceeding $250 million.
Critical and Audience Reception
The film received mixed reviews from critics, holding a 43% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics described the movie as "boring" and "mediocre," highlighting issues with its narrative and execution. However, the audience score stands at a more favorable 74%, indicating a divide between critical and public opinion.
Controversies Surrounding the Film
Several factors contributed to the film's tumultuous reception:
- Casting Choices: The selection of Rachel Zegler, an actress of Colombian descent, as Snow White sparked debates about representation and fidelity to the original character. Zegler's previous comments labeling the original 1937 film as "extremely dated" further fueled the controversy.
- Narrative Changes: The remake introduced significant alterations to the classic storyline, aiming to present Snow White as a more empowered character. These changes included modifying the protagonist's love interest and omitting iconic songs, which alienated some fans of the original.
- Portrayal of the Seven Dwarfs: The decision to use CGI for the seven dwarfs, rather than casting actors with dwarfism, led to discussions about representation and authenticity. Critics argued that this approach deprived actors with dwarfism of significant roles.
Cast Responses and Political Tensions
Lead actress Rachel Zegler acknowledged the film's challenges but expressed gratitude for the opportunity, calling it the "honor of a lifetime." Additionally, political tensions arose between co-stars Zegler and Gal Gadot due to differing views on the Israel-Hamas conflict, adding another layer of complexity to the film's public perception.
Implications for Disney's Live-Action Strategy
The underperformance of "Snow White" raises questions about Disney's approach to live-action remakes. While previous adaptations like "The Lion King" and "Cinderella" achieved significant success, the mixed reception of recent projects suggests a need for reevaluation. Critics recommend that Disney embrace more daring and creative adaptations to resonate with contemporary audiences.
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