Disney’s live-action Snow White has recently topped the North American box office, bringing in an estimated $87.3 million globally during its opening weekend. This figure, while impressive, falls short of the expected returns for a movie that reportedly cost over $270 million to make. Almost half of the box office revenue came from North America alone.
Despite its strong earnings, the film has faced significant backlash and controversy. Critics have not held back in their reviews, with the movie earning just a 44% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Audience reactions, however, tell a different story, with a more favorable rating of 73% on the “Popcornometer.” Some have called the film a “mind-boggling mash-up,” while others describe it as “mostly captivating.”
This live-action adaptation of the beloved 1937 animated film sparked debate even before its release. One of the major points of contention was the casting of Rachel Zegler, who is of Colombian descent, in the role of Snow White. Additional drama arose from Zegler’s pro-Palestinian comments and the statements made by actress Gal Gadot, who plays the Evil Queen. These issues have fueled discussions about representation and the impact of social and political views on the entertainment industry.
In China, where the film debuted, it didn’t perform well either, earning less than $1 million in its first three days. Patrick Frater, an entertainment industry consultant, opined that ongoing controversies may have hurt its appeal. He also pointed out that Hollywood films have seen a decline in popularity in Asia since the pandemic.
Historically, Disney has faced similar challenges with its live-action reboots. The release of Aladdin in 2019, for example, generated mixed reviews but still managed to perform well at the box office. The disparity between critical reception and audience enjoyment is common; many viewers may find value or entertainment in films that critics do not favor.
Ultimately, Snow White’s mixed reception highlights the complexities of modern filmmaking, where cultural relevance and diverse representation are often at the forefront of discussions. With changing viewer expectations, understanding the impact of these controversies will shape how films are made and promoted in the future.
For more insights into the box office performance of films like Snow White, check out Box Office Mojo.
Check out this related article: Remembering Mia Love: Trailblazing First Black Republican Congresswoman Passes Away
Source link