Recent controversy surrounding Disney’s live-action adaptation of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” has sent reverberations throughout the film industry. It’s a ridiculous crossover that everyone is going wild about to greet record-breaking box office receipts! The movie made quite the splash, raking in a record-breaking $87.3 million internationally over opening weekend. Nearly half of that revenue was the result of eager North American audiences. The film is doing tremendously well at the box office, debuting at No. Critics have largely panned it, resulting in a uniquely divisive reception.
Viewers have had a mixed reaction to the critical responses to Disney’s new “Snow White.” Times’ chief film critic, Kevin Maher, minced no words in calling the film “that atrocious.” Opposed to this, David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter was very positive on the film, calling it “spellbinding.” On Rotten Tomatoes, the critics' score stands at a modest 44%, yet the audience reaction, measured by the 'Popcornometer,' suggests a more favorable reception at 73%.
It’s an incredible opening for any film financially, but it starts up against a mountain of expectations with a reported production cost over $270 million. Absorbing the ongoing social and political discourse surrounding “Snow White” reveals a very different reality. Rachel Zegler, who’s Colombian, was cast in the lead role. Despite these potential benefits, this decision has been met with major outcry from municipal and environmental groups. Zegler received significant backlash for her pro-Palestinian statements. At the same time, Gal Gadot, who plays the Evil Queen, faced backlash for her pro-Israel activism.