Disney’s ‘Snow White’ Still Successful In Box Office Amid PR Disasters And Criticisms !
Remaking Disney’s first animated film was always going to stir the pot, and the live-action version of Snow White has faced its fair share of hurdles. Yet, despite the controversy and challenges, Disney’s newest adaptation may still find a way to succeed at the box office.
A Not-So-Innovative Remake
While the 1937 animated Snow White was a groundbreaking achievement, the new live-action film doesn’t quite have the same air of monumental innovation. This remake is one of many live-action adaptations of Disney’s classic animated films. However, glowing early reviews have highlighted the film’s visual appeal and praised Rachel Zegler’s performance, making it a promising contender for success despite the troubled PR journey.
The Controversy Surrounding Zegler’s Casting
One of the major controversies came from the casting of Rachel Zegler, a Colombian-American actress, in the iconic role of Snow White. Many questioned the casting choice based on Snow White’s traditionally European depiction. Zegler faced racist trolling but stood firm, responding that she would not let negativity influence her. Despite the trolling, the positive reviews for her portrayal offer a glimmer of hope for the film.
Peter Dinklage’s Criticism of Dwarfs Stereotypes
Another controversy emerged when actor Peter Dinklage criticized the film for perpetuating stereotypes about dwarfs, referencing the original portrayal of the seven dwarfs living in a cave. Disney responded by emphasizing that the film would take a different approach, consulting with the dwarfism community and using CGI for the seven characters. This effort to modernize the film has been met with mixed reactions but demonstrates Disney’s commitment to updating outdated elements.
The New Focus: Snow White’s Journey
Zegler and other cast members have emphasized that this remake will shift the focus away from the traditional love story and instead focus on Snow White’s inner journey. The film aims to explore her path to self-discovery, which has generated mixed responses from audiences nostalgic for the classic version.
The Legacy of the Original Snow White
The original Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was revolutionary in its own time, despite initial doubts. Walt Disney’s ambition to create a feature-length animated film forever changed cinema, leading to an explosion of animated films and a thriving Disney empire. The original movie’s success was not just financial but cultural, with the film becoming one of the most iconic animated features ever made.
Box Office Projections: Can the New Snow White Succeed?
Early industry estimates for the new Snow White predict an opening weekend box office between $48 million to $58 million. While this might not position it as an outright box-office smash, the legacy of the original could be enough to carry the remake to a successful run. Time will tell if the magic of Snow White is enough to overcome the obstacles and deliver a fairy-tale ending.
