The live-action remake of Disney’s ‘Snow White,’ starring Rachel Zegler, was expected to be a major success, but instead, it became one of the year’s biggest disappointments. Released in March 2025, the film grossed a mere $43 million at the global box office, a staggering blow to the $250 million production budget. While the film’s poor performance can be attributed to a variety of factors, including a crowded release schedule and mixed reviews, it was Zegler’s controversial remarks that sparked heated discussions and, some say, contributed to the movie’s downfall.
A Flop at the Box Office
Despite the immense marketing push and a star-studded cast, ‘Snow White’ struggled to find its footing with audiences. The film’s $43 million in earnings left Disney reeling, especially considering its hefty production costs and expectations surrounding the live-action adaptation of such an iconic fairy tale. The film’s failure to perform commercially has become a topic of debate in Hollywood, with many asking whether the public’s reception of the movie could have been swayed by external factors, including Zegler’s outspoken nature and public comments.
The Controversial Comments That Sparked a Hollywood Feud
Zegler’s comments on social media and in interviews have come under heavy scrutiny. The ‘Snow White’ star made waves with remarks that were seen as dismissive of both her co-star, Gal Gadot, and the original version of the fairy tale. Zegler’s critical take on the 1937 animated classic, calling it outdated and problematic, didn’t sit well with a segment of the audience. Her Instagram posts and interviews discussing the movie’s modern reinterpretation and the decision to make Snow White a more empowered character were met with backlash from fans of the original, who believed the film was straying too far from Disney’s beloved tradition.
The controversy escalated when Zegler’s comments reportedly led to a feud between her and Gal Gadot, who plays the Evil Queen in the film. Sources close to the production hinted that the tension between the two actresses may have affected their on-screen chemistry, leading some to question the professionalism behind the scenes. Speculation surrounding the relationship between the two stars became fodder for tabloids and social media, fueling the narrative that the Hollywood feud might have played a role in the film’s underperformance.
The Role of Social Media and the Changing Dynamics of Star Power
Social media has become a powerful tool for actors, but it can also backfire, as seen in Zegler’s case. X (formerly Twitter) exploded with posts both supporting and criticizing Zegler’s comments. Many fans called out the actress for being “too vocal” about her opinions, with some suggesting that her outspoken nature could have turned off potential viewers, especially those who were looking forward to a more traditional Disney experience. The growing influence of social media in shaping the public image of Hollywood stars is undeniable, and in this instance, it seems that Zegler’s remarks may have played a significant role in the box office struggle.
A New Era of Hollywood PR: Star Power or Public Image?
The ‘Snow White’ debacle raises important questions about the role of celebrity influence and studio PR in the modern film industry. In an era where social media platforms are increasingly shaping public perception, Hollywood studios must walk a fine line between allowing their stars to express themselves and managing their public image. Zegler’s comments about the film’s themes and her co-stars, while likely genuine, didn’t align with the expectations of the film’s core audience.
The film industry is also facing a shift in what constitutes star power. While traditional Hollywood stars were once the driving force behind a film’s success, the dynamic has evolved, and studios now must navigate the intricacies of modern celebrity culture, social media, and audience reactions. It begs the question: Has the traditional concept of “star power” shifted? Can an actor’s online persona influence a film’s commercial viability?
The Future of Disney’s Live-Action Remakes
With ‘Snow White’ falling short of expectations, Disney faces important decisions about the future of its live-action remakes. While some of these adaptations, like ‘The Lion King’ (2019) and ‘Aladdin’ (2019), were box office successes, others have faced criticism and underwhelming performance. The industry is increasingly questioning whether audiences are still interested in live-action versions of animated classics, or whether Disney should focus on original content to keep the magic alive.
As for Rachel Zegler, her star is still on the rise, but the ‘Snow White’ backlash has forced her to navigate a challenging Hollywood landscape. It remains to be seen whether she can recover from the controversy and whether the industry will allow her to evolve as a leading actress despite the fallout from this high-profile project.
Conclusion: Was ‘Snow White’ Doomed from the Start?
While it’s easy to point fingers at Rachel Zegler’s comments, it’s clear that the box office failure of ‘Snow White’ cannot be attributed to any one factor alone. A mix of poor timing, a lack of compelling marketing, and a clash between the film’s modern take and audience expectations all played a role in its underwhelming performance. The controversy surrounding Zegler only added fuel to the fire, making the film’s fate a symbol of Hollywood’s evolving star power dynamics and the growing influence of social media in shaping public opinion.
