Disney’s live action remake of its 1937 animated classic Snow White is not getting the red carpet treatment. The studio has decided to scale back its Hollywood premier this Saturday because of multiple ongoing controversies. It will host the premier at the El Capitan Theater in Hollywood and stars Rachel Zegler (plays Snow White) and Gal Gadot (plays the Evil Queen) will be on hand, but the press coverage will be limited to approved photographers.
The news comes only days after Disney completely canceled its UK premier of the film.
The Many Controversies Surrounding Snow White
Where to start?
From controversial casting decisions involving both the titular character and the dwarves, to derogatory comments made by star Zegler about the original animated classic, the Snow White production has been a PR nightmare pretty much from the start. Following comments made by Game of Thrones star Peter Dinklage critical of Disney’s insensitive handling of the remake’s seven dwarf characters, Disney decided to cast non dwarves in the roles. But after set photos leaked of the not-dwarves, the internet had a field day and fans mocked Disney relentlessly, with one outlet constantly referring to the movie as Snow White and the Seven Dirty Hippies. Eventually, Disney relented and decided to reshoot parts of the film, CGI-ing over the actors that had been cast as replacements for the dwarves, setting the film’s release date back a full year.
But it didn’t end there.
More recently, Zegler and Gadot’s public positions on the Israel/Palestine conflict have brought negative attention to the upcoming Snow White premier, and it seems Disney is in full damage control mode. But by canceling the UK premier and scaling back its Hollywood premier, the Mouse House has closed off avenues by which it can promote the film. And judging by early estimates, Snow White needs all the help it can get to be successful at the box office.
Box Office Dud Incoming?
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Snow White is tracking to open somewhere between $48 and $58 million domestically, which is a downgrade from the $65 to $68 million it was tracking for a month ago. With a budget that has ballooned up to somewhere north of $250 million, the chances of Snow White breaking even are steadily dwindling.
What should have been a huge event film for the Mouse House has turned into a total train wreck. Maybe Snow White can pull off a miracle, but based on the trailer alone, I wouldn’t put money on it (yikes).
Share Your Thoughts
But what are your thoughts? Are you planning to see Snow White? Do you think the movie will do well at the box office despite these PR setbacks or nah? Let us know in the comments below.
