Disney’s latest live-action remake of Snow White is facing unprecedented backlash, solidifying its status as the company’s worst-rated film of the decade. After its premiere weekend, the film garnered a disappointing $87 million globally, a stark contrast to its whopping $250 million production cost. The situation has worsened, with the film’s IMDb rating plummeting from an already dismal 2.5 to a shocking 1.7, drawing ridicule from online commentators who attribute its failure to what they perceive as “woke propaganda.”
Adding to the turmoil, Jonah Platt, son of the film’s producer, publicly criticized lead actress Rachel Zegler for intertwining her personal politics with the movie’s promotion. In a scathing social media post, Platt expressed frustration over Zegler’s comments, which he claims jeopardized the film’s success and insulted the hard work of thousands involved in the production. He emphasized that while free speech is important, it does not exempt one from the consequences of their statements, especially in a professional context.
The controversy surrounding Zegler has been compounded by her earlier remarks, where she alienated potential viewers by suggesting that Trump supporters “should never know peace.” Critics argue that such comments, coupled with changes to the film’s original narrative and character portrayals, have alienated a significant portion of the audience. Observers noted that the decision to cast a mixed-race actress in a role traditionally associated with a character defined by her fair skin has been met with scrutiny, as has the removal of the “Seven Dwarfs” from the film’s title, deemed problematic by some.
The film’s poor reception has led to drastic changes in its promotional strategy, with some commentators asserting that Zegler’s outspoken demeanor has overshadowed the film itself. Industry experts predict significant financial losses for Disney, with the film struggling to perform even in international markets, notably earning less than a million dollars in China. Despite the mounting criticism and dismal ratings, footage surfaced of Zegler attending a screening of her own film, albeit in an empty theater, raising further questions about her awareness of the film’s reception. As Disney grapples with this debacle, the future of Snow White remains uncertain, leaving fans and critics alike questioning the direction of the iconic brand.