Disney’s latest live-action remake, Snow White, has taken the United States by storm—not just at the box office but across social media, news outlets, and dinner table debates. Hawkins alike. Released on March 21, 2025, this reimagining of the 1937 animated classic has sparked a whirlwind of discussion, from casting choices to cultural shifts, and its lukewarm financial performance has only added fuel to the fire. As of today, March 26, 2025, the film remains a trending topic in the USA, dominating headlines and igniting passionate opinions. Let’s dive into what’s making Snow White the talk of the nation, backed by insights from authentic sources.
The Premise: A Modern Take on a Classic Tale
Disney’s Snow White stars Rachel Zegler as the titular princess and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, with a supporting cast that includes CGI-rendered versions of the iconic Seven Dwarfs. Directed by Marc Webb, the film promised a fresh perspective on the fairy tale, emphasizing empowerment and updating elements some viewed as outdated in the original—like the passive damsel-in-distress trope. However, these changes have not come without scrutiny.
The movie opened with a global box office haul of $87.3 million over its first weekend, including $44.3 million domestically in the U.S., according to Box Office Mojo (BBC News, March 24, 2025). While it topped the weekend charts in the U.K. and Ireland with $5 million (Variety, March 25, 2025), its performance has been labeled underwhelming, given its reported budget exceeding $250 million (NBC News, March 24, 2025). Critics and audiences alike are split, with a 44% score from critics on Rotten Tomatoes contrasting a more favorable 74% audience rating (Forbes, March 25, 2025).
The Casting Controversy: Rachel Zegler in the Spotlight
One of the most heated debates surrounds Rachel Zegler’s casting as Snow White. Zegler, a 23-year-old actress of Colombian descent, faced backlash from some who argued her Latina heritage didn’t align with the traditionally “white as snow” depiction of the character. This echoes the uproar seen when Halle Bailey was cast as Ariel in The Little Mermaid—a Black actress portraying a character historically imagined as white. In a 2022 Variety interview with Andrew Garfield, Zegler addressed the criticism head-on, noting the “angry” voices that turned her casting into a trending topic (E! Online, March 26, 2025).
Zegler’s comments about the original film have also stirred the pot. She once called the 1937 version “weird” for its focus on a prince rescuing Snow White, suggesting the remake would prioritize self-empowerment over romance (Hindustan Times, March 24, 2025). While some praised this modern twist, others, like The Times critic Kevin Maher, slammed it as “a new low for cultural desecration,” arguing it sacrifices storytelling for messaging (X posts, March 23, 2025).
Adding a political layer, Zegler’s August 2024 X post saying “Free Palestine” alongside the Snow White trailer clashed with co-star Gal Gadot’s pro-Israel stance, fueling online feuds and raising questions about behind-the-scenes tensions (Just Jared, March 26, 2025). Disney reportedly beefed up security for Gadot and hired a social media consultant for Zegler amid death threats and backlash (Variety, March 25, 2025).
The Seven Dwarfs: From Actors to CGI
Another lightning rod for criticism is the decision to replace live actors with CGI for the Seven Dwarfs. Initially, Disney faced pushback for potentially excluding actors with dwarfism, prompting a shift to “magical creatures” voiced by actors of varying heights (E! Online, March 26, 2025). The move drew ire from groups advocating for representation, who called it a missed opportunity (ScreenRant, March 24, 2025). In the film, the dwarfs gain a new magical ability—though underutilized in the plot—marking a departure from their original charm (ScreenRant, March 24, 2025).
Box Office Breakdown: A Fairy Tale Flop?
Despite topping some regional charts, Snow White’s financial performance has been dubbed a “fiasco” (Variety, March 25, 2025) and a “bomb” (Forbes, March 25, 2025). Analysts point to a depressed 2025 movie market—projected as the worst first quarter in 25 years—rather than just an “anti-woke” backlash (Newsweek, March 25, 2025). Disney’s track record with live-action remakes shows diminishing returns, with only three of its 14 remakes this decade crossing $1 billion globally (Business Insider, March 25, 2025).
Here’s a table summarizing Snow White’s opening weekend box office (Box Office Mojo, BBC News, March 24, 2025):
| Region | Opening Weekend Gross | Percentage of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic (U.S.) | $44.3 million | 50.7% |
| International | $43.0 million | 49.3% |
| Global Total | $87.3 million | 100% |
With a budget of over $250 million, the film needs upwards of $500 million to break even, factoring in marketing costs (Hollywood Reporter, March 25, 2025). Its $43 million domestic debut fell short of projections, prompting questions about its long-term viability (Fortune, March 24, 2025).
Critical Reception: A Divided Kingdom
Reviews for Snow White are a mixed bag. Critics have panned it as “exhaustingly awful” (Sky News, March 24, 2025), with a 44% Rotten Tomatoes score reflecting discontent over its pacing and heavy-handed themes (Forbes, March 25, 2025). Audiences, however, have been kinder, giving it a 74% approval rating, suggesting some resonance with its updated narrative (Forbes, March 25, 2025). IMDb users, meanwhile, have bombarded it with 1-star reviews, a possible sign of coordinated backlash (News18, March 25, 2025).
Here’s a snapshot of critical and audience reception (Rotten Tomatoes, Forbes, March 25, 2025):
| Source | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Critics | 44% | “Refreshing take, visually stunning.” |
| Audience | 74% | “Refreshing take, visually stunnin.” |
Cultural Impact: A Mirror to Society?
Snow White has become a flashpoint in America’s culture wars. Some see it as “too woke,” citing Zegler’s casting and the shift away from traditional romance (National Review, March 24, 2025). Others argue the hate is overblown, pointing to data showing 40% of its U.S. box office came from conservative “red states” (FandomWire, March 25, 2025). Box office analyst David Loria told Newsweek that broader market trends—like a lack of major releases—may outweigh ideological gripes (Newsweek, March 25, 2025).
Disney’s history adds irony to the saga. The 1937 Snow White built the company into an entertainment titan, yet this remake risks being its “biggest flop” (Fortune, March 24, 2025). The controversy mirrors broader debates about representation, legacy, and adaptation in Hollywood.
Behind the Scenes: Drama Beyond the Screen
Reports of on-set friction have only amplified the narrative. Insiders claim Disney scaled back the March 15, 2025, Los Angeles premiere, limiting press access to avoid tough questions (Just Jared, March 26, 2025). Zegler, undeterred, celebrated the film’s opening on Instagram, signing posters outside Good Morning America on March 20 (Newsweek, March 25, 2025). Meanwhile, Gadot’s security upgrades hint at the intensity of public reaction (Variety, March 25, 2025).
What’s Next for Snow White?
As of March 26, 2025, Snow White remains a trending topic in the USA, with its fate hanging in the balance. Will it recover at the box office or become a cautionary tale for Disney’s remake machine? Audience turnout suggests curiosity persists—$87.3 million isn’t chump change—but the road to profitability is steep (BBC News, March 24, 2025). For now, it’s a cultural Rorschach test, reflecting America’s divided views on race, gender, and nostalgia.
Conclusion: A Tale as Old as Time, Reimagined
Disney’s Snow White is more than a movie—it’s a lightning rod for 2025’s social currents. From Zegler’s casting to CGI dwarfs and a shaky box office start, it’s a fairy tale wrestling with modern expectations. Whether you see it as a bold refresh or a misstep, one thing’s clear: Snow White’s still got us talking. As the dust settles, its legacy may hinge on whether audiences embrace this new chapter or yearn for the simplicity of “hi-ho.”
What’s your take? Hit the comments below, and let’s keep the conversation going!
Sources: BBC News, Variety, Forbes, Newsweek, E! Online, Just Jared, ScreenRant, Hollywood Reporter, Fortune, Business Insider, NBC News, Sky News, National Review, FandomWire, News18, Hindustan Times, The Independent, Rotten Tomatoes, Box Office Mojo
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