Disney's live-action remake of its beloved 1937 animated classic, Snow White, is facing significant challenges as it prepares for its box office debut. Critics have been less than kind, and audience scores are also underwhelming, with the film projected to earn only $45 million in its domestic opening weekend. This figure is reminiscent of Tim Burton's Dumbo, which was regarded as a considerable disappointment.
Despite these hurdles, Snow White is expected to top the box office race, aiming to replicate the success of Disney’s Christmas tentpole, Mufasa: The Lion King, which opened to $35 million and ultimately grossed over $700 million globally. The film features Rachel Zegler in the lead role and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen. Initial projections suggested a potential opening of $50 million, although Disney has opted for a more conservative estimate, predicting a range between $45 million and $55 million. On a global scale, the film hopes to surpass $100 million in its initial launch.
When compared to other live-action adaptations, Snow White pales in comparison. For instance, Beauty and the Beast opened to a staggering $174.6 million domestically in March 2017, while Cinderella debuted with $67.9 million in 2015, and Maleficent launched with $69 million in 2014 (the sequel, Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, opened at only $37 million). While Snow White is one of the most recognized Disney princesses among audiences aged 45 and older, she is less familiar to younger demographics, particularly as her original film approaches its 90th anniversary. In contrast, Beauty and the Beast was released in 1991, and Cinderella has remained a favorite since its 1950 premiere.
The weekend's box office outlook is grim for other films as well. Opening alongside Snow White is the mob drama The Alto Knights, starring Robert De Niro in a dual role as notorious New York City mob bosses Frank Costello and Vito Genovese. Directed by Barry Levinson and written by Nicholas Pileggi, the film is anticipated to debut with a meager $3 million at the box office.
As Snow White prepares to grace theaters, the film's journey is emblematic of the current challenges faced by Disney's live-action adaptations. The mixed reception and competitive landscape highlight the evolving dynamics of audience preferences and cinematic storytelling.
