Disney's highly anticipated Snow White is making headlines as it prepares for its Thursday previews, with early estimates suggesting a substantial take of $3.5 million. As reported by our sources, these figures are independent of Disney's own announcements. Showtimes for the film commenced at 2 PM, setting the stage for its performance against other Disney adaptations.
This preview figure places Snow White ahead of previous Disney adaptations. Notably, it surpasses the $2.3 million previews of 2019’s Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, which represented 18% of a $12.5 million Friday total, culminating in a three-day weekend gross of $36.9 million. Additionally, it exceeds Dumbo’s $2.6 million Thursday night previews, which accounted for 17% of a $15.2 million Friday take and a total of $46 million for the weekend.
Furthermore, Snow White's preview earnings are comparable to Kung Fu Panda 4's $3.8 million from last year, which resulted in a $19.4 million Friday and a three-day total of $57.8 million. The film's overall success is contingent on family attendance during the weekend, particularly from those with daughters.
With a remarkable 94% awareness level among audiences, it is clear that the buzz surrounding Snow White is high. However, tracking data reveals a lower interest rate at just 39%, raising questions among industry insiders about the film's potential to surpass $50 million in its opening weekend. The prevailing question remains: will families choose to overlook the controversy surrounding star Rachel Zegler and embrace this well-crafted Disney live-action interpretation of a beloved classic?
It’s important to note that Snow White is not an avant-garde project, but rather a polished musical crafted by experienced professionals. Directed by Marc Webb, famous for his work in romantic comedies like 500 Days of Summer, and produced by Wicked's Marc Platt, the film features songs by acclaimed Oscar-winning duo Pasek and Paul. The screenplay has even been refined by Greta Gerwig, the visionary behind Barbie.
Despite currently holding a 46% score on Rotten Tomatoes, Snow White shares a history with other Disney films that have similarly low critical ratings yet achieved impressive box office results. For instance, both Maleficent (54%) and Aladdin (57%) received less than favorable reviews but still enjoyed significant financial success, earning $69.4 million and $91.5 million, respectively. Each of these films garnered an A CinemaScore, suggesting that audience reception may differ from critical reviews.
The film is set to debut in 4,200 theaters, equipped with an array of premium formats including PLFs, 4DX, Screen-X, Dolby, and IMAX. Competing for audience attention this weekend is Warner Bros.’ Alto Knights, directed by Barry Levinson and starring Robert De Niro, which is expected to underperform with previews under $500,000 and projected weekend earnings in the low to mid single digits.
As the excitement builds, the question remains: who wouldn’t want to experience the enchantment of Snow White tonight? With its classic story and high production values, Disney is banking on family audiences to embrace this new chapter in the beloved fairy tale.
