Disney's Snow White flop blames Rachel Zegler's politics

In the United States, Disney's live-action remake of Snow White was released in October 2023 and faced harsh criticism due to its lackluster performance at the box office. The film, which cost over $270 million to produce and promote, only managed to generate approximately $43 million during its opening weekend, becoming one of the biggest film flops of the year. Industry analysts noted that, to break even, the film would have needed to earn upwards of $800 million globally, which seemed increasingly unlikely given its dismal reception. Critics attributed the movie's poor performance not only to its high costs but also to a multitude of factors including the casting of Rachel Zegler, who had made controversial comments about politics and the original story during her promotional duties, which alienated some potential audience segments. Conversely, the film also faced challenges related to audience reception of its updated plot and character portrayals, thereby diminishing its appeal to traditional Disney fans accustomed to classic narratives. Rachel Zegler's social media activity became a focal point of the backlash, particularly a post in which she expressed support for Palestine during a time of heightened political tension. Reports indicated that her remarks led to a swift backlash from segments of the audience, including red state voters, potentially impacting their willingness to watch the film. Industry insiders were quick to blame Zegler for the film’s lack of success, accusing her of overshadowing its promotion with her political views. This perspective was echoed by Jonah Platt, son of the movie's producer Marc Platt, who publicly criticized Zegler's actions on social media, asserting they jeopardized the film's prospects and misaligned with the interests of the broader American audience. As the narrative surrounding Snow White developed, media outlets began to frame the film’s failure within a broader context of cultural and political relevance, particularly as the entertainment landscape continues to grapple with the incorporation of social issues into mainstream storytelling. Observers pointed out that unlike recent Disney live-action adaptations of films like The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast, which saw significant box office success, Snow White failed partly because it diverged too far from its origins, resulting in a disenchanted fan base and little draw from families seeking traditional storytelling. Ultimately, as Disney accounts for these setbacks, many speculate about the impact this mishap may have on future projects, weighing the delicate balance of artistic expression against audience expectations in a rapidly evolving media environment. Disney's upcoming live-action adaptations may need to tread cautiously to avoid repeating the mistakes that led to Snow White's historic flop.