Disney’s latest live-action adaptation, “Snow White,” debuted with $43 million in domestic ticket sales during its opening weekend. Internationally, the film garnered an additional $44.3 million, bringing its global total to $87.3 million. Despite securing the top spot at the box office, these figures fell short of industry projections and the film’s substantial production budget, which reportedly exceeds $250 million.
Comparative Performance
“Snow White”‘s opening weekend earnings are notably lower than previous Disney live-action remakes. For instance, “Beauty and the Beast” debuted with $174.7 million, “The Lion King” with $191.8 million, and “Aladdin” with $91.5 million. Even “Dumbo,” which had a modest opening, surpassed “Snow White” with $45.9 million.
Critical Reception
The film received mixed reviews, holding a 43% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Audience feedback was slightly more favorable, with a CinemaScore of B+.
Controversies and Challenges
Several factors may have contributed to the film’s underwhelming performance:
- Casting and Storyline Changes: The decision to cast Rachel Zegler as Snow White and modify elements of the original plot sparked discussions and some backlash.
- Depiction of the Dwarfs: The use of CGI for the seven dwarfs faced criticism, with concerns about the portrayal and representation of these characters.
- Budgetary Concerns: With production costs exceeding $250 million, the film faces significant pressure to perform well in subsequent weeks to achieve profitability.
Future Outlook
Despite the initial lukewarm reception, Disney has a history of leveraging its films across various platforms, including streaming services, merchandise, and theme park attractions. These avenues may provide additional revenue streams for “Snow White” beyond its theatrical run.
As the film continues its theatrical journey, industry observers will be keenly watching its performance in the coming weeks to assess its long-term success and impact on Disney’s strategy for future live-action adaptations.
