Why Disney’s Snow White Re-Release Flopped Hard: Rachel Zegler’s Role in the Disaster

Disney’s live-action Snow White was supposed to be a triumphant reimagining of a timeless classic. Instead, it’s become a cautionary tale of hubris, missteps, and a catastrophic disconnect with audiences. The film’s recent theatrical re-release, timed for Mother’s Day weekend in May 2025, was a desperate attempt to salvage a sinking ship. Spoiler: it didn’t work. With over 1,300 screens across the U.S., the re-release scraped together a measly $335,000—averaging about 17 tickets sold per theater. This isn’t just a flop; it’s a humiliation for Disney, and Rachel Zegler, the film’s star, is at the center of the storm.

A Box Office Bloodbath

When Snow White first hit theaters on March 21, 2025, it was already on shaky ground. The $270 million production, ballooned by delays, strikes, and a fire on the UK set, opened to a lackluster $42.2 million domestically and struggled to a global total of $202.8 million. Analysts estimate Disney needed at least $500 million to break even. Instead, the film is projected to lose $115 million after all ancillaries, including home entertainment and streaming. The re-release was Disney’s last-ditch effort to boost those numbers, but the results were catastrophic. Earning just $252 per screen, the film played to near-empty theaters, a stark contrast to the studio’s hopes of a Mother’s Day surge.

Rachel Zegler’s Creative Control: A Recipe for Disaster?

Zegler, cast as the iconic princess, didn’t just star in Snow White—she reportedly influenced its design, costumes, and even the character’s backstory. Sources claim she pushed for a modernized Snow White, distancing the film from the 1937 animated classic. Her vision included altering the origin of the name “Snow White,” a change fans have called tone-deaf and unnecessary. In interviews, Zegler described the original story as “dated” and “weird,” sparking backlash from purists who cherished the fairy tale’s simplicity.

Her creative input didn’t stop at the script. Zegler allegedly had a say in Snow White’s hairstyle and wardrobe, aiming for a bolder, less traditional look. While her intentions may have been to empower the character, audiences found the changes jarring. Social media platforms like X erupted with criticism, with fans mocking her “creative vision” and accusing her of disrespecting a beloved icon. Posts on X labeled the film “Snow Woke,” with some users claiming Zegler’s outspokenness alienated the very audience Disney needed.

Fans Turn on Zegler

The backlash against Zegler isn’t just about the film’s creative choices. Her public comments, including political statements and criticism of the original Snow White, fueled a firestorm. Conservative fans called for boycotts, while others felt her social media presence—where she engaged with trolls and doubled down on her views—made her unlikeable. One X post summed it up: “Zegler trashed the audience and undermined the movie at every step.”

Zegler’s reported tension with co-star Gal Gadot, who played the Evil Queen, didn’t help. Whispers of on-set disagreements and Gadot’s polarizing public stance on Israel added more fuel to the controversy. The film was even banned in Lebanon due to Gadot’s involvement, further limiting its international reach.

Disney’s Disney+ Gamble

With theaters a lost cause, Disney is now pinning its hopes on Disney+. The film hit digital platforms on May 13, 2025, with Blu-ray and DVD releases slated for June 24. The studio is banking on streaming to recoup some losses, but early signs aren’t promising. The film’s soundtrack, despite Zegler’s vocal talent, failed to chart in Billboard’s top ten, and negative word-of-mouth continues to dog the project.

Disney’s history with live-action remakes offers mixed lessons. Hits like The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast soared past $1 billion, but recent efforts like The Little Mermaid and Wish underperformed. Snow White’s failure, coupled with the shelving of a planned Tangled remake, suggests audience fatigue with Disney’s remake machine.

What’s Next for Disney and Zegler?

The Snow White debacle raises tough questions. Did Zegler’s influence doom the film, or is she a scapegoat for deeper issues? Disney’s decision to greenlight a $270 million project with a polarizing lead and a controversial reimagining seems misguided in hindsight. Zegler, meanwhile, is moving on to smaller projects, including a London play and an indie drama, but her Hollywood future remains uncertain.

For Disney, the stakes are higher. Upcoming remakes like Lilo & Stitch and Moana must avoid Snow White’s pitfalls. If the studio doubles down on divisive creative choices, June’s home media release could mark another public humiliation. For now, Snow White stands as a warning: even a fairy tale can turn into a nightmare when ambition outpaces audience trust.