In the wake of the disappointing box office performance of Disney’s live-action “Snow White,” lead actress Rachel Zegler has made headlines with her fervent defense of the film and its message. Despite claims that the movie is “the number one film in the world,” the reality is stark; it has grossed a mere $168 million globally, a far cry from expectations, especially in the shadow of the recent success of “Minecraft,” which has surpassed $301 million.
Zegler has characterized her version of Snow White as a progressive update, emphasizing a narrative where the titular character does not rely on a prince for her happiness. She asserts that this modern take aims to portray strong female leadership rather than a romantic quest, a stark contrast to the original 1937 animated feature. However, many critics argue that these changes have alienated fans who cherished the classic tale.
The backlash has intensified since the film’s release, with audiences expressing frustration over perceived forced inclusivity and awkward CGI elements. Zegler has publicly responded to the criticism, labeling it as a reflection of “toxic fandom” and a misunderstanding of the film’s intentions. She insists that the film’s portrayal of Snow White as an independent character is a necessary evolution, yet this perspective has not been well-received.
Disney executives, including CEO Bob Iger, are reportedly scrambling to address the fallout from this project, which is now being discussed as one of the biggest flops in cinematic history. Internal discussions have turned to damage control, with future remakes potentially being reassessed to avoid similar pitfalls.
As the film continues to struggle, Zegler remains adamant about the importance of her role and the sacrifices she made to bring this new vision of Snow White to life. However, the growing chorus of criticism suggests that the gamble taken by Disney in reimagining a beloved classic may have backfired spectacularly, leaving the studio to reckon with the consequences of their creative decisions.