Disney’s Snow White Flop: Rachel Zegler’s Response Ignites Controversy

Disney’s live-action Snow White remake was meant to be a glittering reimagining of a timeless classic, but it’s turned into one of Hollywood’s most spectacular failures. Starring Rachel Zegler as the iconic princess and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, the film promised to modernize the 1937 animated masterpiece. Instead, it’s become a cautionary tale of mismanaged expectations, polarizing choices, and a box office catastrophe that’s left Disney scrambling. The latest chapter in this saga? A desperate re-release that earned a measly $200,000 across 1,300 theaters—and Zegler’s fiery response that’s only fanning the flames.

A Box Office Disaster of Historic Proportions

When Snow White first hit theaters on March 21, 2025, it opened to a modest $42.2 million domestically, a far cry from the blockbuster numbers Disney hoped for. With a reported budget of $240–270 million, the film needed to gross at least $500 million globally to break even. Instead, it limped to just $202.8 million worldwide, making it one of Disney’s biggest financial disappointments in recent memory. Critics were unkind, with the film earning a “rotten” 40% on Rotten Tomatoes, citing weak storytelling and controversial creative choices like CGI dwarfs and a diluted love story. Audiences, meanwhile, gave it a more forgiving 72% Popcornmeter score, but that wasn’t enough to save it from sinking.

In a baffling move, Disney re-released Snow White in 1,300 U.S. theaters over a recent weekend, hoping to squeeze out a few more dollars. The result? A humiliating $200,000 haul—averaging less than $50 per theater. To put that in perspective, a 20-year-old Star Wars re-release, Revenge of the Sith, raked in $25 million the same weekend. Disney’s decision to double down on a proven failure has left industry insiders and fans alike scratching their heads. “Who thought this was a good idea?” asked one critic, summing up the sentiment.

Rachel Zegler’s Response: Blaming Everyone but Herself

As the dust settled on this latest flop, Rachel Zegler took to social media to address the film’s poor performance. Rather than reflecting on the movie’s shortcomings, the 23-year-old star unleashed a passionate rant, calling out “toxic” moviegoers, society’s “backward” values, and critics who “missed the point.” Her comments, which many perceived as dismissive and defensive, only deepened the controversy surrounding the film.

Zegler’s remarks come on the heels of a turbulent press tour marked by polarizing statements. Her vocal support for Palestine clashed with co-star Gal Gadot’s pro-Israel stance, sparking backlash from some fans. Her criticism of the original Snow White—dismissing Prince Charming as a “stalker” and emphasizing empowerment over romance—alienated traditionalists who cherished the classic fairy tale. Add to that the casting of a Latina actress as Snow White and the use of CGI for the seven dwarfs, and the film was embroiled in controversy long before its release.

While Zegler’s performance was one of the few bright spots, earning praise for her vocal talent and charisma, her off-screen behavior has drawn ire. “She’s blaming everyone but the mirror,” one X user quipped, reflecting a growing sentiment that Zegler’s response lacks accountability. Posts on X have been brutal, with users calling the film “woke” and accusing Disney of prioritizing politics over storytelling.

Disney’s Woke Gamble Backfires

Disney’s Snow White was billed as a bold, modern take on a beloved story, but it’s become a lightning rod for criticism of the studio’s recent direction. The film’s hefty budget, coupled with production woes like reshoots, labor strikes, and a set fire, set the stage for a high-stakes gamble. Disney’s decision to scale back the Los Angeles premiere and limit press access for Zegler suggests they anticipated the backlash. Yet, the studio’s insistence on pushing a narrative that alienated core fans has proven costly.

The Snow White flop isn’t an isolated incident. Disney’s 2023 animated film Wish also underperformed, and Captain America: Brave New World struggled to hit $400 million globally. These missteps have fueled a narrative that Disney’s focus on “woke” themes is driving audiences away. While some defend the studio’s efforts to diversify and update its classics, others argue that straying too far from the original magic is a recipe for disaster.

What’s Next for Disney and Zegler?

As Snow White heads to digital platforms on May 13 and Blu-ray on June 24, Disney is banking on home viewership to recoup some losses. Meanwhile, Zegler is moving on to a new project, a comedy-drama with Marisa Tomei, hoping to leave the Snow White controversy behind. But with fans and critics still buzzing about the film’s failure, the road to redemption won’t be easy.

Disney, too, faces a crossroads. Upcoming live-action remakes like Lilo & Stitch and Moana offer a chance to regain audience trust, but only if the studio learns from Snow White’s mistakes. For now, the House of Mouse is left to ponder a painful lesson: even the fairest of tales can’t survive without a story that resonates.

What do you think about Snow White’s flop and Zegler’s response? Share your thoughts below and let’s discuss!