Snow White’s recent performance has raised significant concerns for Disney, particularly following the lackluster reception of this 2023 animated film at the box office. Over the years, Disney has poured substantial investments into live-action adaptations of its beloved animated classics. While some of these remakes have achieved commercial success, others have failed to resonate with audiences. The latest iteration, Snow White, stands out as one of the company’s most notable failures in recent years. Critics have not been kind, with Screen Rant’s Rachel Labonte assigning it a mediocre score of 5 out of 10, indicating a widespread sentiment of disappointment.

In addition to its poor critical reception, Snow White has also underperformed dramatically at the box office. As of now, the film, featuring stars Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, has only managed to gross $194 million, despite its substantial production budget estimated between $240 million and $270 million (according to Box Office Mojo). This dismal financial outcome signifies that Snow White’s box office troubles could lead to a loss of hundreds of millions for Disney. While it is not uncommon for studios to face box office setbacks, the failure of Snow White is particularly glaring, especially in light of Wish, which also struggled financially in 2023.

Examining the Flop of Snow White in 2025 Following Wish’s Disappointment in 2023

Disney’s Substantial Investment in Snow White & Wish

Although expectations were high for Snow White, its box office performance has been significantly below projections. This outcome was somewhat anticipated, given the film’s history of controversy that has surrounded it for several years. The contentious reception of Snow White has undoubtedly contributed to its financial struggles at the box office. Leading up to its release, actress Rachel Zegler, who plays the iconic Disney princess, faced backlash due to her remarks and behavior during interviews. Furthermore, the depiction of the CGI dwarfs in Snow White has garnered criticism from long-time fans of the original animated classic.

The controversies surrounding Snow White have been substantial, painting the film in a negative light. In contrast, Wish, an animated film that faced minimal controversy, still faltered at the box office. Upon its release in 2023, Wish managed to earn only $254 million against a budget of $200 million (via Box Office Mojo). Both Snow White and Wish were anticipated to be significant successes for Disney, but their underwhelming performances have proven otherwise, raising questions about the future of Disney’s cinematic offerings.

Snow White & Wish: Missed Opportunities for Disney’s Grand Celebrations

Celebrating Disney’s Rich History Through Snow White & Wish

Both Snow White and Wish were positioned as monumental celebrations of the Disney legacy. Notably, Wish was launched to coincide with the 100-year anniversary of Disney, featuring numerous references to the company’s most beloved films. The film is filled with nostalgic Disney Easter eggs, including Magnifico’s green horns, which pay tribute to Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty, animated objects reminiscent of Beauty and the Beast, and a character performing a Tarzan yell. These elements were designed to honor and celebrate the illustrious history of Disney.

Over the course of Disney’s remarkable history, spanning more than a century, the company has produced countless outstanding films. The 1937 classic Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs holds particular significance as one of Disney’s most iconic movies. Along with other beloved princesses like Cinderella and Belle, Snow White is undeniably one of the most cherished Disney princesses. Thus, the character deserved a live-action remake that honors her legacy. Regrettably, rather than celebrating the triumph of the original animated film, the live-action version of Snow White has turned out to be a disappointing adaptation.

Analyzing the Impact of Snow White & Wish on Disney’s Brand Value

The Flop of Snow White & Wish Indicates a Declining Interest in Disney’s Brand

While it is unrealistic to expect every Disney film to achieve blockbuster status, it is important to recognize that a few box office failures are part of the entertainment landscape. Disney, as a major player in the industry, can withstand occasional disappointments. However, the trend of numerous recent Disney films, both live-action and animated, failing to meet audience and critical expectations is concerning.

Beyond several other recent films that have underperformed, the failure of Snow White and Wish at the box office significantly impacts Disney, as both were intended to be celebrations of the company’s rich legacy. The poor performance of Snow White and Wish indicates a growing disinterest among audiences in films that commemorate Disney’s history. Given that Disney’s foundation is largely built upon nostalgia, this presents a major challenge for the brand. It will be fascinating to observe Disney’s strategic direction following the setbacks experienced with films like Snow White and Wish.

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  Snow White
  

  
  

  

  5/10

  Release Date

  
  March 21, 2025
  

  Runtime

  
  109 Minutes
  

  Director

  
  Marc Webb
  

  Writers

  
  Erin Cressida Wilson, Wilhelm Grimm
  

  Producers

  
  Callum McDougall, Marc Platt
  

  
  

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  Wish
  

  
  

  

  7/10

  Release Date

  
  November 22, 2023
  

  Runtime

  
  95 Mins
  

  Director

  
  Chris Buck, Fawn Veerasunthorn
  

  Writers

  
  Jennifer Lee, Allison Moore