Disney's live-action adaptation of the classic fairy tale Snow White has made a significant impact at the North American box office, despite receiving a wave of underwhelming reviews. According to Box Office Mojo, the film has grossed an estimated $87.3 million (£67.5 million) globally during its opening weekend, with nearly half of that revenue originating from North America. However, this performance falls short of expectations for a production that reportedly cost over $270 million.
The reimagining of the beloved 1937 animated classic has become a focal point for social and political discussions, even before its global release. The casting of Rachel Zegler, who is of Colombian descent, in the role of the titular character sparked some controversy. Critics have also voiced objections regarding Zegler's pro-Palestinian comments and the pro-Israel stance of Israeli actress Gal Gadot, who portrays the Evil Queen. These controversies have contributed to the film being labeled one of the most divisive releases of 2025.
On the popular reviews aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, Snow White has garnered a disappointing critics' score of just 44%, while audience reactions have been more favorable, with a 'Popcornometer' rating of 73%. This disparity between critics and viewers highlights the film's polarizing nature. Chief film critic for The Times, Kevin Maher, stated, "Believe the anti-hype, it's that bad," while David Rooney from The Hollywood Reporter described the film as "mostly captivating."
Critics have pointed out various aspects of the film, including its "creepy CGI dwarfs" and a "muddled tone." Nicholas Barber from the BBC commented that Disney's latest live-action remake is not disastrous but rather a "mind-boggling mash-up." As the film continues to draw audiences, the conversation around its content and reception is likely to evolve.
As Disney's Snow White navigates through both box office success and critical scrutiny, it serves as a reminder of how modern adaptations can stir up complex discussions about casting choices and social issues. The film's performance indicates that, despite the controversies, interest in classic fairy tales remains strong in today's cinematic landscape.
