Disney’s live-action Snow White, led by Rachel Zegler, has been hailed as a streaming triumph on Disney Plus, soaring to the top of the platform’s viewership charts shortly after its debut. Yet, beneath the surface of this apparent victory lies a story of financial disappointment, controversial creative choices, and a media campaign that seems determined to rewrite the narrative. With a production budget exceeding $300 million, the film grossed just $200 million at the global box office, marking it as one of Disney’s most significant theatrical flops in recent years. So why is the media so eager to crown it a streaming hit, and what does this reveal about the state of Disney’s storytelling empire?

The film’s journey to the screen was fraught with challenges from the start. Reimagining a timeless classic like Snow White is no small feat, but Disney’s bold changes to the story and casting decisions sparked heated debates among fans. These alterations, intended to modernize the tale, alienated a portion of the audience, contributing to the film’s lackluster performance in theaters. While some praised Zegler’s performance as a bright spot in an otherwise uneven production, the overall reception was tepid, with critics noting a lack of the magic that defined the original animated masterpiece. The film’s visual effects, despite the hefty budget, were criticized as uncanny, further dampening its appeal.

When Snow White landed on Disney Plus, its rapid ascent to the number-one spot was touted as evidence of a comeback. Headlines celebrated Zegler as a star redeemed, suggesting the film had found its audience at last. But a closer look reveals this success may be more illusion than reality. Disney Plus has a well-documented pattern: nearly every major release, regardless of its theatrical performance, spikes to the top of the platform’s charts upon release. Films like The Marvels and Captain America: Brave New World, both of which underperformed at the box office, followed the same trajectory. This phenomenon owes less to audience enthusiasm and more to the platform’s algorithm and a scarcity of fresh, original content. With fewer new releases to compete against, even a divisive film like Snow White can dominate viewership metrics in the short term.

To understand the scale of this, consider The Marvels, another Disney title that topped Disney Plus charts despite a disappointing theatrical run. Data shows its streaming numbers paled in comparison to true blockbusters like Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, which sustained strong viewership over time. Snow White’s streaming figures, while impressive at first glance, likely follow a similar pattern—driven by curiosity and algorithmic promotion rather than genuine, lasting appeal. The platform’s reliance on high-profile releases to fill a content gap means that even underperformers can briefly shine, creating a misleading impression of success.

The media’s role in amplifying this narrative is hard to ignore. Outlets have framed Snow White’s streaming performance as a vindication of Zegler and Disney’s vision, glossing over the film’s financial shortfall and mixed reception. This spin aligns with a broader trend of protecting high-profile projects from scrutiny, particularly when they involve polarizing figures or creative risks. By labeling the film a “streaming hit,” the media sidesteps uncomfortable questions about Disney’s strategy, from its ballooning budgets to its approach to remaking beloved classics. The result is a story that feels curated to generate buzz and deflect criticism, rather than reflect the full truth.

For audiences, this raises a curious question about trust. When a film’s success is measured not by ticket sales or critical acclaim but by carefully crafted headlines, it’s worth wondering what else might be obscured. Disney’s Snow White may indeed have found a temporary home atop Disney Plus, but its journey there tells a more complex tale—one of ambition, missteps, and a media machine working overtime to salvage a tarnished crown. As viewers, we’re left to decide whether this is a fairy tale worth believing or a cautionary story about the power of perception in Hollywood’s ever-shifting landscape.