2ND UPDATE, Friday midday: Currently, Disney‘s Snow White is projected to earn $15.5 million today, incorporating last night’s $3.5 million. This performance could push the Rachel Zegler-Gal Gadot film to a cumulative three-day total of about $40 million at the domestic box office. This figure is similar to what Dumbo achieved, which opened with $15.2 million for a near $46 million weekend, but with significantly lower production costs ($170 million vs. $270 million for Snow White). The critical factor will be the performances during the Saturday and Sunday matinees, particularly as the film targets a female audience.
Meanwhile, Warner Bros might be regretting its decision-making: WB’s $50 million gangster film The Alto Knights, starring Robert De Niro, is expected to settle for around $1 million today (including previews) and $3 million for the weekend, amidst a $50 million production cost. This represents another disappointing outcome for the studio known for famous figures like Harry, Albert, Sam, and Jack, though Minecraft is on the horizon.
More updates will follow as we monitor whether Snow White can further improve its performance.
UPDATED after previous EXCLUSIVE: Disney’s Thursday preview figures for Snow White came in at $3.5 million. Initial PostTrak data shows a strong reception among kids under 12, with 84% of viewers in this demographic being female.
The general audience rating is a modest 3 stars. The definite recommendation rate is low at 39%, whereas Warner Bros’ The Alto Knights holds a slightly higher definite recommendation at 44%. Among parents watching Snow White, the film averages 2½ stars, but their recommendation rate is higher at 52%.
Quorum reported that poor buzz might only indicate future tracking. They noted that the best comparable film for Snow White is 2023’s The Little Mermaid, which faced similar social backlash regarding the casting of Halle Bailey in the lead role.
“Snow White was never slated for the same opening level as The Little Mermaid, although six weeks ago, data indicated it could open over $60 million. Interest among women under 35, a crucial demographic, is declining—58% initially, now down to 52% as we approach release.” This waning interest may significantly affect projections—what seemed like a potential $60 million opening is now looking more like $40 million.
Nonetheless, it remains to be seen if young girls will rally to support Snow White. Disney has yet to reveal the audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
