Disney’s live-action Snow White was poised to be a magical reimagining of the 1937 animated classic, but the film has stumbled at the box office, leaving fans and industry insiders buzzing. With a staggering $270 million budget, the film has grossed just $204.1 million worldwide, falling $65.9 million short of breaking even. The fallout has sparked heated discussions, with Gal Gadot publicly addressing co-star Rachel Zegler’s controversial statements, which many believe contributed to the movie’s dismal performance. So, what went wrong, and could this misstep tarnish Zegler’s rising star?

Directed by Marc Webb, Snow White promised a fresh take on the Brothers Grimm fairytale, starring Rachel Zegler as the titular princess and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen. The film introduced modern twists, including a more empowered Snow White and CGI-rendered “magical creatures” in place of the traditional Seven Dwarfs. Yet, these deviations from the beloved original have left audiences cold. Critics have panned the film, with a 40% Rotten Tomatoes score, citing lackluster visuals and a failure to capture the original’s charm. The Guardian called it “exhaustingly awful,” while audiences gave it a lukewarm B+ CinemaScore.

Disney’s live-action remakes have been a mixed bag, with hits like Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin soaring past $1 billion, while others, like Dumbo and The Little Mermaid, struggled to resonate. Industry analysts point to “remake fatigue” as a key factor in Snow White’s flop. Fans of the 1937 classic, a groundbreaking animated masterpiece, may have felt alienated by the film’s modernized narrative and departure from nostalgic elements like the iconic “Heigh-Ho” spirit.

Adding fuel to the fire, Rachel Zegler’s outspoken comments have drawn significant backlash. The 23-year-old actress, known for her Golden Globe-winning role in West Side Story, sparked controversy with remarks about the original Snow White, calling it outdated and emphasizing the remake’s feminist reimagining. Her social media posts, including a pro-Palestine statement tied to the film’s trailer and an anti-Trump outburst after the 2024 election, further polarized audiences. These comments reportedly caused a “severe rift” with Gadot, an Israeli actress and vocal supporter of Israel, leading to rumors of on-set tension.

Disney took drastic measures, with producer Marc Platt flying to New York to address Zegler’s social media activity. The studio even hired a social media consultant to vet her posts before the March 21, 2025, release. Jonah Platt, the producer’s son, publicly criticized Zegler, claiming her “narcissistic” behavior tanked the film’s box office. “Tens of thousands of people worked on that film, and she hijacked the conversation for her own immature desires,” he wrote in a now-deleted Instagram comment.

Gal Gadot, who has largely remained above the fray, recently spoke out about the controversy. While promoting the film, she emphasized professionalism, subtly addressing Zegler’s actions. “A film like this is a massive undertaking, and every voice matters in its success,” Gadot said on Good Morning America. “It’s about respecting the story, the team, and the audience.” Her comments, while diplomatic, were widely interpreted as a call for Zegler to prioritize the project over personal politics. Despite rumors of a feud, sources close to the production insist the actresses maintained a cordial relationship during filming, though promotional events kept them conspicuously apart.

Gadot’s own performance as the Evil Queen has also faced scrutiny, with critics like Slate calling it “absolutely abhorrent.” Yet, her star power remains intact, bolstered by her Wonder Woman legacy, while Zegler’s career hangs in a more precarious balance.

Zegler’s talent is undeniable—she shines in Snow White, with critics praising her luminous presence and powerful vocals. However, Snow White marks her fourth box-office disappointment, following West Side Story, Shazam! Fury of the Gods, and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. While Hunger Games grossed $349 million, it remains her only major commercial success. The backlash and review-bombing (IMDb’s 1.6/10 score reflects “unusual voting activity”) could cast a shadow over her future in Hollywood.

Still, Zegler’s supporters argue she’s been unfairly scapegoated. Her casting as a Latina Snow White drew racist backlash, echoing the vitriol faced by Halle Bailey in The Little Mermaid. Fans on social media have rallied behind her, praising her courage and authenticity. Her next move—a starring role in the West End’s Evita—may shift focus back to her stage roots, where her vocal prowess first earned her acclaim.

For Disney, Snow White’s failure has prompted soul-searching. The studio has paused its planned Tangled remake, signaling a potential rethink of its live-action strategy. Upcoming projects like Lilo & Stitch (May 2025) and Moana (July 2026) will test whether audiences still crave these reimaginings. As for Snow White, the film’s $115 million projected loss after ancillaries is a bitter pill, but Disney’s deep pockets and robust slate suggest it will weather the storm.

The Snow White saga is a cautionary tale of how controversy, creative missteps, and audience expectations can derail even the most ambitious projects. For Zegler, it’s a pivotal moment to recalibrate, while Gadot’s steady hand offers a reminder of navigating Hollywood’s choppy waters with grace. Will Zegler bounce back, and can Disney rediscover its fairytale magic? Only time will tell.

Sources: Variety, Deadline, Rotten Tomatoes, The Numbers