The atmosphere was somber on Sunday at the Disney studio as Snow White debuted below expectations, grossing approximately $43 million domestically. The live-action adaptation of the classic 1937 movie was initially projected to exceed $100 million globally but instead brought in $87.3 million.
The final figures released on Monday indicated an even lower domestic opening at $42.2 million, with the global earnings adjusting down to $86.1 million, comprised of $43.9 million from international markets, according to Comscore.
While these numbers might not typically spell disaster for a film targeting a female audience, Snow White finds itself in potential trouble due to its substantial production budget of $270 million, plus an additional $100 million for marketing.
Preliminary ticket sales and mixed audience feedback suggest Snow White could struggle to reach $300 million or $400 million globally, falling short of the essential $500 million benchmark for profitability, as per several industry insiders. For context, 2019’s Dumbo made $353 million after a $170 million budget, following a $45 million domestic debut.
Disney fans may argue that the studio is capable of pulling off a successful turnaround. For instance, Mufasa: The Lion King was initially deemed a flop after opening to $35.4 million during the Christmas 2024 season but ultimately grossed nearly $718 million globally. Another film, Elemental, also found success post-release with a significant boost in viewership.
However, a key distinction is that these previous films did not suffer from negative reviews; Snow White received a relatively rare B+ CinemaScore from audiences, whereas most Disney remakes typically achieve A-level ratings.
Additionally, Snow White faced controversial headlines surrounding lead actress Rachel Zegler, who expressed her views boldly, taking on political topics that attracted backlash, particularly from conservative groups who labeled the film as “Snow Woke.” Despite these issues, data suggests that average moviegoers may not be as influenced by the political narrative as is perceived on social media, with ticket sales stemming from a significant portion of red states.
Despite a B+ CinemaScore overall, the film fared better among female audiences and viewers under 18, receiving an A- score. Parents and kids rated it four out of five stars, suggesting a positive reception within those demographics, although only half of the children surveyed indicated they would recommend the film immediately. Factors such as production delays due to COVID protocols, labor strikes, and creative adjustments contributed to the ballooning budget of Snow White. The studio’s previous leadership greenlit the project at a lower budget, but new executive recommendations required additional spending.
Overall, the landscape for Disney has shifted notably since the inception of the live-action Snow White, which once appeared to be a safe gamble after the successes of prior remakes. The film’s eventual profitability will rely on its long-term theater play, potential streaming revenues, merchandise sales, and theme park connections, according to Comscore’s chief box office analyst.
