In a surprising turn of events at the Oscars, Disney’s live-action adaptation of “Snow White” starring Rachel Zegler faced intense scrutiny after an unexpected moment overshadowed the ceremony. As Zegler made her entrance alongside Gal Gadot, the song “Someday My Prince Will Come” played, a choice that many interpreted as a pointed dig at Zegler’s comments regarding the film’s modern interpretation of the classic tale.

Zegler has previously stated that the new version of “Snow White” would not focus on the traditional love story, instead aiming for a more empowering narrative. Her remarks, aimed at distancing the film from the original’s themes, now seem to be contradicted by the musical backdrop chosen for her appearance. Footage from the event shows Zegler appearing visibly uncomfortable, taking a deep breath as she walks on stage, further fueling speculation about the underlying tensions between her and the project.

Box office forecasts for “Snow White” have taken a nosedive, with estimates dropping from an initial projection of $63-70 million to as low as $48 million for its opening weekend. The film’s marketing strategy has drawn criticism for attempting to blend clips from the original animated classic with the new film, raising questions about its authenticity and appeal. Observers have noted that this shift in strategy may stem from a growing disconnect between Disney and Zegler, with the studio possibly distancing itself from the actress as anticipation for the film wanes.

The mixed reception of Zegler’s portrayal and the film’s narrative direction presents a challenging landscape for Disney as it attempts to revive interest in a story central to its legacy. As the release date approaches, all eyes will be on “Snow White” to see if it can overcome the hurdles presented by the Oscars and the changing expectations of its audience.

In a world where nostalgia often drives box office success, the juxtaposition of Zegler’s vision and Disney’s emotional marketing may determine the film’s fate in an increasingly competitive cinematic landscape.