Disney’s live-action remake of Snow White continues to haunt the studio’s financial reports, with newly revealed figures showing a staggering loss of $170 million. The film, starring Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, failed to resonate with audiences and critics alike, culminating in a significant financial setback for the entertainment giant.
The financial fallout, detailed in recent company filings and reported by Forbes, underscores the challenges facing Disney as it navigates a shifting landscape for live-action remakes of its animated classics. While the strategy has yielded successes in the past, Snow White represents a particularly stark example of a project gone awry.
The film garnered just $205 million at the global box office, a figure significantly lower than its initial production budget, which exceeded $270 million. Further complicating matters, the final production costs ballooned to $336.6 million, well over the original estimate. A partial offset came in the form of a $64.9 million reimbursement from the British government related to filming expenses, bringing the net cost down to $271.6 million. Subtracting the studio’s share of box office revenue, estimated at $102.9 million, results in the reported $168.7 million loss.
However, the $170 million figure doesn’t fully encapsulate the financial damage. Forbes notes that the calculation excludes marketing expenses and revenue generated from video-on-demand platforms, suggesting the total loss could be even higher. The lack of detail regarding marketing spend is a common practice for studios, making a complete assessment of a film’s profitability difficult from the outside.
The failure of Snow White isn’t solely a financial one. The film faced considerable controversy leading up to its release, stemming from comments made by Zegler regarding the original animated film’s depiction of a prince’s kiss. These comments ignited a debate about the portrayal of romantic love and consent, drawing criticism from some corners of the internet. While the controversy generated headlines, it seemingly did little to boost ticket sales.
The critical reception was equally unfavorable. The film was widely panned by reviewers, who criticized its pacing, musical numbers, and overall lack of originality. The negative reviews contributed to a weak word-of-mouth, further hindering its box office performance. The film’s struggles are now being formally recognized by the industry, with Snow White receiving six nominations for the upcoming Razzie Awards, a satirical ceremony that “honors” the worst films of the year.
This loss comes at a sensitive time for Disney, which is under pressure to deliver consistent returns on its investments in both theatrical releases and streaming content. The company has been recalibrating its strategy in recent months, streamlining operations and focusing on fewer, higher-quality projects. The Snow White debacle serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the risks associated with relying solely on brand recognition and nostalgia.
The situation also raises questions about the future of Disney’s live-action remakes. While the studio has seen success with films like The Lion King (2019) and Beauty and the Beast (2017), Snow White demonstrates that simply updating a classic story isn’t a guaranteed formula for success. Disney will likely be more selective in its future remake choices, prioritizing projects with strong creative visions and compelling narratives.
The financial impact of Snow White extends beyond Disney’s bottom line. It also raises concerns about the sustainability of large-budget remakes in an increasingly competitive entertainment landscape. With the rise of streaming services and the proliferation of content options, audiences are becoming more discerning, demanding originality and quality over familiar stories. The film’s failure underscores the need for studios to innovate and take risks, rather than simply relying on established intellectual property.
Almost a year after its initial release, the full extent of Snow White’s commercial failure is now clear. The $170 million loss represents a significant blow to Disney, and serves as a stark reminder that even the most iconic brands are not immune to the challenges of the modern entertainment industry. The studio will undoubtedly be analyzing the film’s shortcomings in an effort to avoid similar missteps in the future.
