Disney (and others) at the Box Office - Current State of Affairs

[Tony the Tigger]

Both Rachel and Gal said in early interviews at D23 2022 that she wasn't going to be saved by the prince. I guess it's kind of still true cause the guy isn't a prince anymore.

Uh, spoiler alert.

 

[Tony the Tigger]

To state—calmly and in a manner befitting an adult—“I think her comments on the original movie are totally off base” before elaborating on why.


Here are some direct quotations from this forum:

“She's never been put in her place or had anyone teach her respect.”

“People may be political about a snotty starlet who dissed the source material at company-sponsored media events.”

“What audiences and fans will not accept is outright contempt for the original. That contempt oozes out of everything that has emerged from her.”

“Yea, what part of you don’t crap in the same exact spots you eat and sleep doesn’t this twit understand…?!?!?!”

“Before Disney sends Rachel Zegler out on the talk show circuit this winter, they need to give her media relations lessons from Halle Bailey. If not just perform a personality transplant.”

“On the other hand, ‘It’s not 1937 anymore’ is a direct attack on the original film (and the people who love it).”

“Rachel Zegler said nothing new or bold or insightful. It's all so stale and predictable now. But somehow, and this is the magic of it all, she comes across to many as being this unlikable person. A real snot.”

“Because she's a snotty young person who just crapped on previous generations of artists who were far more accomplished than she is.”

These are just some of the posts (most of them by men in their 40s or older) that, to my mind at least, represent a rather extreme reaction to what Zegler said. No film is worth getting that worked up over.

ETA: And yes, I will acknowledge that I myself was perhaps guilty of a bit of hyperbole in my earlier post. Only a small number of posters here have said things that are truly unhinged. But many have reacted in a manner that I consider disproportionate and/or unseemly.

It was not hyperbole. The world doesn’t end outside this site.

Far worse things are being said on much bigger sites (FB, Insta, etc.) Your opinion that the reaction has been disproportionate is evidenced many times over.

 

[Tha Realest]

I still can't get over that all they had to do was:

1. Cast seven human dwarf actors,

You can thank corporate overreaction to Very Loud Voices on the internet for that. Maybe there’s less hypersensitivity to such things now.

2. Stick as closely to the original animated film as possible, and

One of the recurring themes in these reviews is how disjointed the CGI dwarves are. Did this film begin as a deconstruction of the film, and the reshoots (and CGI) over correct to make this more conventional take?

3. Not have the lead actress criticize the source material ...

We’ll see how she does when she promotes those future appearances in all those MCU projects. Those are sure to be announced/confirmed any day now, right? As well as the new Disney Phantom of the Opera series?

Such an announcement would juice the marketing for this film and not give the impression they’re letting her twist in the wind on this project and want to remain in the Rachel Zegler business.

... and this film would have printed money. But nope, they royally screwed it all up.

 

[LittleBuford]

Zegler was at a Disney event, speaking to Disney approved media, hyping her Disney movie project. A lead actress selling a film is definitionally speaking for Disney. One of the jobs of leading in a major movie is selling that major movie. The fact that Disney did not prepare her for these questions is nuts. Disney owns every part of a film. Its conceptual stage, filming, and ultimate release including media tours. That is all part of what it means to be a Hollywood star and a Hollywood studio.

It's possible that Zegler's views really were isolated and just her own. Perhaps everyone working on the modern Snow White adaptation, except Zegler, loves Snow White and appreciates the legacy they were dealing with. I find that unlikely though. Her making fun of the original signaled a deeper contempt that seemed to hang over the project.

Bob Iger's Disney raises prices at the theme parks while not even delivering functioning effects in return. I was just at Walt Disney World and Cosmic Rewind was the only E-Ticket in full working order. Every other E-Ticket is either desperately in need of refurbishment or had key effects broken. Charging what they do while not delivering on the basics signals contempt to me. Why shouldn't Disney have the same contempt for their cinema goers as well?

I feel you’re conflating wildly different things and sticking them all under the umbrella of contempt. Perhaps you’re correct in your assessment, but it all seems a bit too cynical to me.

 

[LittleBuford]

Wait a second ... are you saying men in their 40s (or older!) had opinions?!?! Did anyone tell them that we don't accept opinions from men in their 40s (or older!)?

I myself am a man in his 40s. It’s not a question of having opinions, but of expressing them in a manner in keeping with our age and maturity.

 

[LittleBuford]

Yes, that line gave away the game. It translated to: This laundry list of opinions should be discounted because they are largely offered from old men, and old men are problematic and should be ignored.

Yeah, that’s not what this 40-something-year-old man was saying. At all.

 

[Tony the Tigger]

OK, they can pull Mufasa now. All realistic goals have been met. Numbers are dropping. D+ in a few days. Well done. Good kitty.

 

[Ayla]

Many of those same men (and others) made disparaging remarks about Halle Bailey. She also had the temerity to star in a Disney movie that showed women as less dependent on men.

And wasn't white.

 

[MagicMouseFan]

Just for fun.. Here is a Grok 3 deep dive into the question…
Did Rachel Ziegler’s comments have negative effect on Snow White?

Key Points

• It seems likely that Rachel Ziegler’s comments had a negative effect on the Snow White movie, based on public backlash and mixed reviews.
• Her remarks about the original story sparked controversy, affecting perception and possibly box office performance.
• The movie received mixed critical reception, with some praising her performance despite the controversies.

Background
Rachel Ziegler, starring as Snow White in the 2025 live-action remake, made comments in 2022 criticizing aspects of the 1937 animated film, such as the portrayal of Prince Charming and the focus on the love story. These remarks, including calling the prince a “stalker” and stating the remake would not center on romance, led to significant online backlash. The controversy was amplified by her admission of only watching the original once as a child and finding it scary, which some fans interpreted as disrespecting the classic.
Impact on Reception
The backlash likely contributed to a negative public perception, with the teaser trailer becoming the most disliked on YouTube, receiving nearly one million dislikes. Advance ticket sales were lackluster, with opening weekend projections dropping from $63–70 million to $45–55 million. The Hollywood premiere on March 15, 2025, had no traditional red-carpet press, possibly due to the controversies. Despite this, critical reviews were mixed, with Rotten Tomatoes showing 47% positive reviews and Metacritic scoring it 47/100, indicating “mixed or average” reception. Some critics praised Ziegler’s performance and the film’s new musical numbers, calling it one of Disney’s better remakes.
Unexpected Detail: Mixed Critical Praise
Despite the controversies, some reviews highlighted Ziegler’s charisma and the film’s enchanting visuals, suggesting that the movie still resonated with parts of the audience, offering a silver lining amidst the backlash.

Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of Rachel Ziegler’s Comments and Their Impact on Snow White
Rachel Ziegler’s comments about the original 1937 “Snow White” film and the upcoming live-action remake have been a focal point of controversy, significantly influencing the movie’s public perception and reception. This analysis delves into the specifics of her statements, the ensuing backlash, and their effects on the film’s critical and commercial performance, based on recent discussions on message boards, film reviews, and articles as of March 20, 2025.
Context of Ziegler’s Comments
In 2022, during interviews at the D23 Expo, Ziegler made several remarks that sparked debate. She criticized the original film’s love story, stating, “There’s a big focus on her love story with a guy who literally stalks her. Weird! Weird! So, we didn’t do that this time,” as noted in an Extra TV interview. She also mentioned that the remake would focus on Snow White dreaming of becoming a leader rather than being saved by the prince, saying, “It’s no longer 1937. Snow White won’t be saved by the prince or dream of true love; she’ll dream of becoming a leader, as her late father told her to be fearless, fair, brave, and true,” from a Variety interview. Additionally, in an Entertainment Weekly interview, she confessed, “I was scared of the original version. I think I watched it once and never picked it up again. I’m being so serious,” revealing she revisited it only after being cast.
These comments were perceived by some as dismissive of the original film, leading to significant backlash. For instance, an X post by Vara_Dark stated, “Rachel Zegler admitting she didn’t like Snow White growing up, saying she had only watched it ONCE before getting the role is so sad to me. Out of MILLIONS of women who loved the character, care about the story and yet this is who we get.” Another X post by EndWokeness called her a “walking PR disaster for Disney,” highlighting the intensity of the reaction.
Public and Social Media Backlash
The backlash was not limited to her comments but extended to broader issues, including her casting as a Latina actress in a role traditionally depicted as white, and changes to the story, such as the reimagining of the Seven Dwarfs. Social media platforms like TikTok and X saw viral criticism, with users like CosyWithAngie (9.5M views) and ShikaLord (3M likes) discussing how her remarks altered Snow White’s character, viewing it as antifeminist or reducing diversity in portrayal. Some defenders, like Franchesca Ramsey on TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8N5nth2/), argued the backlash was unjustified, comparing it to male actors like Harrison Ford and Robert Pattinson who criticized their franchises without similar hate.
The controversy also included racist remarks, with Ziegler facing backlash for her ethnicity, as reported by NBC News. This added another layer to the discourse, with Ziegler addressing it in 2023 on X, stating, “I don’t want to be tagged in nonsensical discourse about my casting. I hope every child knows they can be a princess no matter what” (https://x.com/rachelzegler/status/1680225020772057088).
Impact on Film Reception and Box Office
The negative reaction to Ziegler’s comments contributed to a challenging pre-release environment for the film. The teaser trailer, released in August 2024, became the most disliked film trailer on YouTube, with nearly one million dislikes and over 82,000 likes within three weeks, as reported by NME and MovieWeb. This unprecedented dislike ratio underscored the public’s discontent, likely influenced by the controversies.
Box office projections, initially estimated at $63–70 million for the opening weekend, were revised down to $45–55 million by February 2025, as noted by Deadline and Variety. Compared to the $69.4 million opening of “Maleficent” (2014), this suggests a potential impact on commercial performance. The Hollywood premiere on March 15, 2025, at the El Capitan Theatre had no regular red-carpet press, a decision likely influenced by the controversies, as reported by Variety and Hollywood Reporter.
Critical Reception
Despite the pre-release controversies, the film’s critical reception, as of its release on March 21, 2025, has been mixed. Rotten Tomatoes reported 47% positive reviews from 98 critics, with an average rating of 5.5/10, while Metacritic assigned a score of 47 out of 100 based on 39 critics, indicating “mixed or average” reviews. Positive reviews, such as from IndieWire, praised it as “good, spirited and sweet,” highlighting Ziegler’s performance and new musical numbers. Variety called her a “shining supernova,” and Newsweek noted critics like Christopher Rates It on X describing it as “a decent live-action remake” with “magical” performances.
However, negative reviews, such as from The Guardian, criticized the CGI and called the trailer “hauntingly bad,” reflecting ongoing discontent. Wikipedia noted that David Hand, son of the co-director of the 1937 film, described the remake as “insulting,” adding to the polarized reception.
Ziegler’s Response and Mitigation Efforts
Ziegler addressed the backlash in an October 2024 Variety interview, stating, “It made me sad that it was taken in such a way […] It can be very upsetting when things get taken out of context or jokes don’t land.” She clarified in a USA Today article that the love story remains integral, countering claims it was removed, and explained Snow White’s name in the film as tied to surviving a snowstorm, emphasizing resilience. She also retweeted fan posts on X, like darkfandom_, showing her enjoyment of the role, and liked posts defending her, such as by nyssasorchid, as a way to mitigate the negative discourse.
Comparative Context and Broader Implications
The backlash against Ziegler was compared to other Disney princess castings, such as Halle Bailey as Ariel in “The Little Mermaid” (2019), which also faced racist remarks, as noted by USA Today. Some argued on platforms like Quora (https://www.quora.com/Are-you-surprised-by-the-backlash-against-Rachel-Zeglers-comments-about-Snow-White) that the reaction was part of “Woke Wars” discourse, typical for Disney remakes. The controversy also prompted The Daily Wire to announce a competing adaptation, “Snow White and the Evil Queen,” though no updates followed after Brett Cooper’s departure in December 2024, as per Wikipedia.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Rachel Ziegler’s comments significantly contributed to a negative effect on the Snow White movie, amplifying controversies around casting, story changes, and public perception. This is evidenced by social media backlash, the most disliked trailer on YouTube, reduced box office projections, and a muted premiere. However, the film’s mixed critical reception, with some praising Ziegler’s performance, suggests that while the comments impacted perception, they did not universally define the movie’s artistic merit. This complex interplay highlights the challenges of reimagining classic stories in a polarized cultural landscape.

Aspect​	Details​
Response to Backlash	Addressed in October 2024 Variety interview, clarified love story remains integral, explained Snow White’s name tied to resilience.
Previous Comments Criticized	Criticized original love story as “weird” due to stalking, focused on leadership, admitted watching original once and finding it scary (Extra TV, Variety).
Impact on “Snow White”	Backlash led to most disliked trailer on YouTube, reduced box office projections ($45–55M opening), mixed reviews (47% Rotten Tomatoes, 47/100 Metacritic).
Previous Statements on Backlash	In 2023 on X, hoped “every child knows they can be a princess no matter what” (https://x.com/rachelzegler/status/1680225020772057088).

Key Citations

• Rachel Zegler’s “Snow White” Comments Are Being Compared To Robert Pattinson’s Open Hatred For “Twilight”
• Rachel Zegler stirs viral backlash after comments resurface about ‘Snow White’ remake
• Rachel Zegler addresses backlash to controversial ‘Snow White’ comments: ‘It made me sad’
• Snow White (2025 film) - Wikipedia
• Disney’s Snow White | Rotten Tomatoes
• ‘Snow White’ 2025 Review: Live-Action Remake Is Sweet and Song-Filled
• ‘Snow White’ Movie Reviews Are in After Disney’s Woke Controversy
• ‘Snow White’ First Reactions: Rachel Zegler Praised for Live-Action Remake
• Latina ‘Snow White’ actor Rachel Zegler responds to racist remarks
• Rachel Zegler Snow White Backlash Romeo and Juliet Gaza

 

[Disstevefan1]

Review of Snow from NYT

 

[Ayla]

Just for fun.. Here is a Grok 3 deep dive into the question…
Did Rachel Ziegler’s comments have negative effect on Snow White?

Key Points

• It seems likely that Rachel Ziegler’s comments had a negative effect on the Snow White movie, based on public backlash and mixed reviews.
• Her remarks about the original story sparked controversy, affecting perception and possibly box office performance.
• The movie received mixed critical reception, with some praising her performance despite the controversies.

Background
Rachel Ziegler, starring as Snow White in the 2025 live-action remake, made comments in 2022 criticizing aspects of the 1937 animated film, such as the portrayal of Prince Charming and the focus on the love story. These remarks, including calling the prince a “stalker” and stating the remake would not center on romance, led to significant online backlash. The controversy was amplified by her admission of only watching the original once as a child and finding it scary, which some fans interpreted as disrespecting the classic.
Impact on Reception
The backlash likely contributed to a negative public perception, with the teaser trailer becoming the most disliked on YouTube, receiving nearly one million dislikes. Advance ticket sales were lackluster, with opening weekend projections dropping from $63–70 million to $45–55 million. The Hollywood premiere on March 15, 2025, had no traditional red-carpet press, possibly due to the controversies. Despite this, critical reviews were mixed, with Rotten Tomatoes showing 47% positive reviews and Metacritic scoring it 47/100, indicating “mixed or average” reception. Some critics praised Ziegler’s performance and the film’s new musical numbers, calling it one of Disney’s better remakes.
Unexpected Detail: Mixed Critical Praise
Despite the controversies, some reviews highlighted Ziegler’s charisma and the film’s enchanting visuals, suggesting that the movie still resonated with parts of the audience, offering a silver lining amidst the backlash.

Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of Rachel Ziegler’s Comments and Their Impact on Snow White
Rachel Ziegler’s comments about the original 1937 “Snow White” film and the upcoming live-action remake have been a focal point of controversy, significantly influencing the movie’s public perception and reception. This analysis delves into the specifics of her statements, the ensuing backlash, and their effects on the film’s critical and commercial performance, based on recent discussions on message boards, film reviews, and articles as of March 20, 2025.
Context of Ziegler’s Comments
In 2022, during interviews at the D23 Expo, Ziegler made several remarks that sparked debate. She criticized the original film’s love story, stating, “There’s a big focus on her love story with a guy who literally stalks her. Weird! Weird! So, we didn’t do that this time,” as noted in an Extra TV interview. She also mentioned that the remake would focus on Snow White dreaming of becoming a leader rather than being saved by the prince, saying, “It’s no longer 1937. Snow White won’t be saved by the prince or dream of true love; she’ll dream of becoming a leader, as her late father told her to be fearless, fair, brave, and true,” from a Variety interview. Additionally, in an Entertainment Weekly interview, she confessed, “I was scared of the original version. I think I watched it once and never picked it up again. I’m being so serious,” revealing she revisited it only after being cast.
These comments were perceived by some as dismissive of the original film, leading to significant backlash. For instance, an X post by Vara_Dark stated, “Rachel Zegler admitting she didn’t like Snow White growing up, saying she had only watched it ONCE before getting the role is so sad to me. Out of MILLIONS of women who loved the character, care about the story and yet this is who we get.” Another X post by EndWokeness called her a “walking PR disaster for Disney,” highlighting the intensity of the reaction.
Public and Social Media Backlash
The backlash was not limited to her comments but extended to broader issues, including her casting as a Latina actress in a role traditionally depicted as white, and changes to the story, such as the reimagining of the Seven Dwarfs. Social media platforms like TikTok and X saw viral criticism, with users like CosyWithAngie (9.5M views) and ShikaLord (3M likes) discussing how her remarks altered Snow White’s character, viewing it as antifeminist or reducing diversity in portrayal. Some defenders, like Franchesca Ramsey on TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8N5nth2/), argued the backlash was unjustified, comparing it to male actors like Harrison Ford and Robert Pattinson who criticized their franchises without similar hate.
The controversy also included racist remarks, with Ziegler facing backlash for her ethnicity, as reported by NBC News. This added another layer to the discourse, with Ziegler addressing it in 2023 on X, stating, “I don’t want to be tagged in nonsensical discourse about my casting. I hope every child knows they can be a princess no matter what” (https://x.com/rachelzegler/status/1680225020772057088).
Impact on Film Reception and Box Office
The negative reaction to Ziegler’s comments contributed to a challenging pre-release environment for the film. The teaser trailer, released in August 2024, became the most disliked film trailer on YouTube, with nearly one million dislikes and over 82,000 likes within three weeks, as reported by NME and MovieWeb. This unprecedented dislike ratio underscored the public’s discontent, likely influenced by the controversies.
Box office projections, initially estimated at $63–70 million for the opening weekend, were revised down to $45–55 million by February 2025, as noted by Deadline and Variety. Compared to the $69.4 million opening of “Maleficent” (2014), this suggests a potential impact on commercial performance. The Hollywood premiere on March 15, 2025, at the El Capitan Theatre had no regular red-carpet press, a decision likely influenced by the controversies, as reported by Variety and Hollywood Reporter.
Critical Reception
Despite the pre-release controversies, the film’s critical reception, as of its release on March 21, 2025, has been mixed. Rotten Tomatoes reported 47% positive reviews from 98 critics, with an average rating of 5.5/10, while Metacritic assigned a score of 47 out of 100 based on 39 critics, indicating “mixed or average” reviews. Positive reviews, such as from IndieWire, praised it as “good, spirited and sweet,” highlighting Ziegler’s performance and new musical numbers. Variety called her a “shining supernova,” and Newsweek noted critics like Christopher Rates It on X describing it as “a decent live-action remake” with “magical” performances.
However, negative reviews, such as from The Guardian, criticized the CGI and called the trailer “hauntingly bad,” reflecting ongoing discontent. Wikipedia noted that David Hand, son of the co-director of the 1937 film, described the remake as “insulting,” adding to the polarized reception.
Ziegler’s Response and Mitigation Efforts
Ziegler addressed the backlash in an October 2024 Variety interview, stating, “It made me sad that it was taken in such a way […] It can be very upsetting when things get taken out of context or jokes don’t land.” She clarified in a USA Today article that the love story remains integral, countering claims it was removed, and explained Snow White’s name in the film as tied to surviving a snowstorm, emphasizing resilience. She also retweeted fan posts on X, like darkfandom_, showing her enjoyment of the role, and liked posts defending her, such as by nyssasorchid, as a way to mitigate the negative discourse.
Comparative Context and Broader Implications
The backlash against Ziegler was compared to other Disney princess castings, such as Halle Bailey as Ariel in “The Little Mermaid” (2019), which also faced racist remarks, as noted by USA Today. Some argued on platforms like Quora (https://www.quora.com/Are-you-surprised-by-the-backlash-against-Rachel-Zeglers-comments-about-Snow-White) that the reaction was part of “Woke Wars” discourse, typical for Disney remakes. The controversy also prompted The Daily Wire to announce a competing adaptation, “Snow White and the Evil Queen,” though no updates followed after Brett Cooper’s departure in December 2024, as per Wikipedia.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Rachel Ziegler’s comments significantly contributed to a negative effect on the Snow White movie, amplifying controversies around casting, story changes, and public perception. This is evidenced by social media backlash, the most disliked trailer on YouTube, reduced box office projections, and a muted premiere. However, the film’s mixed critical reception, with some praising Ziegler’s performance, suggests that while the comments impacted perception, they did not universally define the movie’s artistic merit. This complex interplay highlights the challenges of reimagining classic stories in a polarized cultural landscape.

Aspect​	Details​
Response to Backlash	Addressed in October 2024 Variety interview, clarified love story remains integral, explained Snow White’s name tied to resilience.
Previous Comments Criticized	Criticized original love story as “weird” due to stalking, focused on leadership, admitted watching original once and finding it scary (Extra TV, Variety).
Impact on “Snow White”	Backlash led to most disliked trailer on YouTube, reduced box office projections ($45–55M opening), mixed reviews (47% Rotten Tomatoes, 47/100 Metacritic).
Previous Statements on Backlash	In 2023 on X, hoped “every child knows they can be a princess no matter what” (https://x.com/rachelzegler/status/1680225020772057088).

Key Citations

• Rachel Zegler’s “Snow White” Comments Are Being Compared To Robert Pattinson’s Open Hatred For “Twilight”
• Rachel Zegler stirs viral backlash after comments resurface about ‘Snow White’ remake
• Rachel Zegler addresses backlash to controversial ‘Snow White’ comments: ‘It made me sad’
• Snow White (2025 film) - Wikipedia
• Disney’s Snow White | Rotten Tomatoes
• ‘Snow White’ 2025 Review: Live-Action Remake Is Sweet and Song-Filled
• ‘Snow White’ Movie Reviews Are in After Disney’s Woke Controversy
• ‘Snow White’ First Reactions: Rachel Zegler Praised for Live-Action Remake
• Latina ‘Snow White’ actor Rachel Zegler responds to racist remarks
• Rachel Zegler Snow White Backlash Romeo and Juliet Gaza

Surely a Musk-developed AI tool wouldn't have negative things to say!!

 

[MagicMouseFan]

Grok 3 says I’m wrong and Snow White won’t hit 600 million…

Key Points

• It seems unlikely that Snow White will reach $600 million globally, given mixed reviews and lower box office projections.
• The film, releasing March 21, 2025, has a $240 million budget and projected domestic opening of $48M–$58M.
• Reviews are mixed, with a 47% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, potentially impacting word-of-mouth.
• Controversies around casting and comments may hurt audience turnout, an unexpected detail affecting its financial performance.

Conclusion and Likelihood of Reaching $600 Million

Based on the analysis, Snow White does not have a strong chance of reaching $600 million globally. The combination of lower-than-expected box office projections, mixed critical reception, weak advance ticket sales, and ongoing controversies suggests it will likely gross between $300 million and $400 million worldwide. While there is a theoretical chance of exceeding expectations through strong word-of-mouth or exceptional international performance, the evidence leans toward it falling short, especially given the historical performance of similar films with comparable challenges.

This detailed assessment considers all available data as of March 20, 2025, providing a comprehensive view for stakeholders and enthusiasts tracking the film’s commercial prospects.

Key Citations

• Box Office Mojo Snow White Page
• Deadline Snow White Box Office Preview
• Rotten Tomatoes Snow White Reviews
• Screen Rant Snow White Budget vs Projections
• Vulture Snow White Review Roundup
• Hollywood Reporter Snow White Box Office Tracking
• That Park Place Snow White Tickets
• People Disney Snow White Controversy Explained
• Rolling Stone Snow White Review
• IndieWire Snow White 2025 Review
• The Guardian Snow White Review
• Metacritic Snow White Page

 

[DKampy]

probably why Cruella is still my favorite remake by far, it was a completely new story yet felt familar

Loved Cruella…. This is the one sequel I want…. Emma Stone was great as the titular character

 

[Trauma]

Surely a Musk-developed AI tool wouldn't have negative things to say!!

Yeah that guy isn’t too smart. Did you see the astronaut’s returning to Earth the other day?

That’s all simple stuff.

What takes real intelligence is setting cars on fire.

 

[MagicMouseFan]

Surely a Musk-developed AI tool wouldn't have negative things to say!!

That is an excellent observation. So I asked Sam Altman’s ChatGPT 4.5 to do a deep dive on same question…. This is very long and detailed…

Rachel Zegler’s Snow White Comments: Backlash and Box Office Impact (as of March 20, 2025)

Rachel Zegler, who portrays Snow White in Disney’s upcoming live-action remake. Her remarks about modernizing the story have sparked heated debate online.

Controversial Comments Spark Backlash

Rachel Zegler, the 23-year-old star of Disney’s Snow White remake, made headlines with comments about how the 2025 film updates the 1937 classic. In a 2022 interview at D23 Expo, Zegler noted “it’s no longer 1937,” explaining that her Snow White “won’t be saved by the prince, and she won’t be dreaming about true love” but instead “finds her own voice” and aspires to be a leader . She even jokingly described the original’s prince as “a guy who literally stalks her… weird, weird – so we aren’t going to do that” . While Disney intended these story changes to modernize the fairy tale, the remarks reignited controversy when clips resurfaced on social media in mid-2023 . Many fans of the classic perceived Zegler’s tone as dismissive of Walt Disney’s original film, prompting a wave of online backlash. The actress later acknowledged the public outcry and has appeared more cautious in recent interviews, saying she’s “extremely appreciative” of supporters but doesn’t want to be tagged in “nonsensical discourse” about her casting .

Social Media and Fan Sentiment

Zegler’s comments quickly went viral on platforms like TikTok and X/Twitter, fueling intense debate among Disney fans and culture commentators. Sentiment on message boards and social media skewed negative: some users labeled her attitude “smug,” “pseudo-feminist,” and “problematic,” accusing her of disrespecting a beloved classic . Prominent conservative voices and anti-“woke” commentators seized on her quotes – critics derided the remake as “Snow Woke” and made sarcastic jokes about its modern spin. For example, one commentator quipped that “instead of a kiss from Prince Charming, Snow White will be woken up by a WhatsApp message from her boss at the corporate job that she hates” . Another joked, “Instead of falling in love with her Prince, Snow White freezes her eggs,” mocking the film’s career-woman angle . Such barbs, amplified by high-profile Twitter accounts, suggest that a segment of the online community sees the film as overly modernized or agenda-driven. The backlash even led to unfounded rumors (later debunked) that Disney might fire Zegler or alter the film, underscoring how heated the fan discourse became.

Not all the commentary has been negative. Some fans and commentators defended Zegler and the film’s updated approach, pointing out that fairytales are often reimagined for new generations . Diversity advocates noted the irony of demands for “historical accuracy” in a fantasy; they argue that a Latina Snow White and a more empowered princess reflect today’s audiences . When Zegler shared a childhood photo of herself dressed as Snow White amid the furor, many supporters rallied, saying it’s meaningful for young Latina girls to see themselves as a Disney princess . Still, the loudest voices have tended to be critics of Zegler’s comments. Online sentiment analysis suggests the controversy became a flashpoint in the broader “culture war.” Threads on Reddit and movie forums debated whether her “no prince” stance was feminist progress or needless provocation, and hashtags like #BoycottSnowWhite trended alongside derisive nicknames. This highly polarized chatter has undeniably influenced public perception of the film before its release. As one entertainment newsletter put it, Snow White landed “in the culture war crosshairs,” collecting more “scandals [and] brouhahas” than some studios see in a decade .


Industry and Critical Reactions

Within the film industry, reactions to the Snow White drama have been mixed. Many film critics and insiders downplay the online outrage, noting that pre-release “noise” doesn’t always translate to audience behavior. Stephen Galloway, dean of Chapman University’s film school, argued that internet controversies are fleeting and “the darkness of the web… doesn’t kill a movie” if the film itself delivers . His view is that ultimately “everything is dependent on, was this movie any good?” . Early signs suggest the film might indeed win over skeptics: Disney held the Los Angeles premiere earlier this week, and initial reactions were surprisingly positive. Audience members at the premiere enthusiastically applauded musical numbers, and some early viewers are calling it Disney’s best live-action remake in years . One online critic even raved that the remake “recaptures the magic of the 1937 movie” and praised Zegler’s portrayal, saying “Rachel Zegler IS Snow White” . Likewise, an early roundup noted Snow White is “being showered with praise” as the finest Disney remake in a long time, with particular kudos to Zegler’s performance . This positive buzz from critics stands in stark contrast to the internet backlash, hinting that the film itself may be more charming than the discourse surrounding it.


That said, Disney has been careful in its publicity strategy given the charged atmosphere. The studio notably restricted press access at the premiere, opting not to allow the typical red-carpet interviews . Some analysts saw this as Disney trying to avoid giving the controversy more oxygen, though it also meant losing a chance to change the narrative. BoxOffice Pro observed that by limiting press at the event, Disney risked “turning the PR headaches around the film into the story instead of the film itself,” similar to how off-screen drama overshadowed 2022’s Don’t Worry Darling . Industry observers like Richard Rushfield (of The Ankler) have framed Snow White as an unfortunate “case study” in volatile public sentiment, noting how external issues – from political social media posts to culture-war debates – latched onto the movie . Even Disney’s CEO was forced to field questions about whether the company’s “woke” direction is alienating audiences . In short, Hollywood insiders are well aware of the Snow White saga, but many believe solid filmmaking (and Disney’s brand power) can overcome the Twitter storms.


Box Office Tracking and Projections

All the controversy has made Snow White’s commercial prospects a subject of intense speculation. Early box office tracking initially looked optimistic – in February, some long-range forecasts projected the film could debut around $65–70 million in its opening weekend . This would be a decent, if not spectacular, start for a Disney princess remake. However, as the release drew closer, industry tracking softened noticeably. By early March, reports from sources like The Hollywood Reporter indicated Snow White was targeting a more modest ~$53 million opening, with an expected range of about $48–58 million domestically . Now, in the week of release, the consensus has narrowed further: analysts predict a debut in the $45–55 million range in North America . Shawn Robbins of Box Office Theory pegs it on the lower end, around “high $30 million to low $40 million” for the first weekend , though others are slightly more bullish. Notably, this is far below the $90M+ opening hauls of hits like Aladdin (2019) or The Little Mermaid (2023) . If Snow White opens near $50M, it would place among the weaker Disney live-action starts – “lower-rung” compared to past entries, close to 2019’s underperforming Dumbo ($46M opening) and well behind Cinderella (2015) or Jungle Book (2016) .

What’s behind the downgraded projections? Industry watchers point to a combination of lukewarm marketing buzz and the drag of the online backlash. Boxoffice Pro’s forecasting panel notes that pre-sale ticket demand has been underwhelming, saying Snow White’s tracking “has been down since pre-sales began” last week . The negative PR – from incessant social media chatter about “wokeness” to political controversies involving the cast – likely dampened some enthusiasm. One financial analyst bluntly stated that Disney “misplayed its hand” by letting the narrative be about off-screen issues rather than the movie’s merits . Indeed, pollsters find that frequent moviegoers are well aware of the Snow White controversies, which may have tempered interest among certain demographics. There is even talk of small-scale boycotts: for instance, a subset of fans aligned with conservative groups has vowed to skip the film, upset over Zegler’s anti-Trump social media posts and the perceived “revisionist” take on the tale . On the flip side, Disney’s marketing team is now mounting a final push, confident that Snow White has an open runway as one of the few family films in theaters this month . The studio believes awareness is high among the target audience and is reminding observers that Disney movies often have strong legs beyond opening weekend . In fact, some rivals note that last year’s Mufasa: The Lion King prequel opened to just $35M but legged out to over $700M worldwide, cautioning against underestimating Disney’s drawing power . Snow White carries a hefty budget (reportedly $200M+), so long-term momentum will be crucial, but the current projections reflect a tempered outlook that many attribute, at least in part, to the mixed public perception.


Audience Response and Demographic Shifts

Despite the noisy online backlash, tracking data suggests Snow White still has strong interest among its core audience – families and young female viewers. According to insiders, awareness is especially high among “younger and teenage girls as well as women in general,” which Disney sees as the key demo for this princess film . This mirrors what happened with The Little Mermaid last year: intense online trolling did not stop mothers and daughters from turning out in droves on opening weekend. Many industry observers believe the same “disconnect” could occur here – i.e. the average family with kids, who is not “terminally online,” may have little awareness of (or interest in) the Twitter controversies . As one box office analyst put it, Disney live-action films are no strangers to online culture-war flareups, but that’s “rarely been a determining factor financially” . In other words, social media outrage may loom large on YouTube and Reddit, but a six-year-old begging their parents to see Snow White likely isn’t influenced by TikTok debates. Indeed, Disney is counting on the brand’s multigenerational appeal – the nostalgia of parents combined with the novelty for kids – to overcome any bad buzz .


That said, there are signs of a demographic shift in who is most excited (or turned off) by this film. Reports indicate Snow White is tracking weaker among adult males, a group perhaps more swayed by YouTube pundits decrying the film’s “girl boss” angle. Some older fans who grew up with the 1937 classic also voice reluctance, feeling protective of the original’s legacy. Additionally, politically conservative moviegoers have, in recent years, grown skeptical of Disney; some view the company as pushing values they don’t agree with, and Zegler’s personal tweets (such as a post-election remark wishing “Trump supporters…never know peace”) only exacerbated that sentiment . Media analysts observe that a portion of the conservative audience has “turned off to the [Disney] brand” in protest . This could mean slightly fewer ticket buyers from that segment, especially in regions where the “anti-woke” rhetoric resonates strongly. On the other hand, the inclusive casting of a Latina lead may draw new viewers and families who welcome the diversity. Similar to how Halle Bailey’s casting as Ariel inspired young Black girls, Zegler becoming Disney’s first Latina princess has generated excitement in Latino communities (she herself said, “I get to be a Latina princess” ). The net effect might be a more polarized audience: those enthusiastically supporting the film are different from those loudly criticizing it. Disney appears to be tailoring marketing toward the former – emphasizing empowerment and spectacle in ads to appeal to girls and parents, and staying out of the weeds of the internet arguments. The big question is whether the overall audience turnout will be significantly diminished by the backlash, or if it simply shifts the composition of who shows up opening night. Early tracking and survey data imply that plenty of families still plan to attend, but the film may lean more heavily on its target demo (young females and kids) rather than courting all four quadrants equally.

Comparisons with Other Disney Live-Action Adaptations

To put Snow White’s situation in context, it helps to compare it with recent Disney live-action remakes – many of which faced their own pre-release controversies or challenges:


• The Little Mermaid (2023) – Like Snow White, this remake encountered racist backlash online when a Black actress (Halle Bailey) was cast as Ariel. Trolls bombarded trailers with dislikes and spawned memes, but ultimately the negativity had limited impact on opening weekend. The Little Mermaid debuted to $95.5 million domestically (3-day) – roughly on par with projections – and finished with a solid $298M in North America. The film did weaker overseas (ending around $570M globally) but industry experts attributed that more to franchise fatigue and other factors than to the online hate. In fact, the remake benefited from positive word-of-mouth among its target audience, and videos of young Black girls joyfully reacting to Ariel went viral in a positive way . This suggests that a loud online backlash doesn’t necessarily translate into box office doom if the core audience is enthusiastic.


• Beauty and the Beast (2017) – This blockbuster remake had minimal controversy beyond a brief kerfuffle over a minor gay subplot (which prompted a few countries to consider bans). Any backlash was fleeting, and the film rode a wave of goodwill and nostalgia to a massive $174.7M opening and over $1.35 billion worldwide gross . Beauty and the Beast demonstrates that when a remake is marketed well and embraced by fans, it can smash records despite small pockets of dissent. In Snow White’s case, however, it’s clear the pre-release “goodwill” is not as strong – Disney’s subdued marketing and the need to address controversies have kept enthusiasm in check . So, expecting BATB-level numbers was never realistic, but the comparison shows how powerful a unified fanbase can be for these films.


• Mulan (2020) – This remake is a cautionary tale of how off-screen issues can hurt a film’s reception. Mulan’s lead actress ignited a political firestorm by voicing support for Hong Kong’s police during pro-democracy protests, sparking the #BoycottMulan campaign . The film also drew criticism for filming in China’s Xinjiang region amid human rights concerns. The result was a cold reception in many markets – for example, Hong Kong activists successfully discouraged audiences, and Mulan sold barely one-third of tickets in some Hong Kong theaters at opening . Combined with the pandemic (which forced Mulan to skip U.S. theaters for Disney+), the controversy ensured Mulan never gained box office traction. Disney executives later admitted the pileup of controversies was a “lot of issues” to overcome. For Snow White, the situation isn’t as dire – its debates, while heated, haven’t triggered international boycotts on the scale of Mulan. But Mulan’s experience shows how public sentiment can indeed dent a film’s performance, especially if that sentiment turns a large potential audience away.





Other Disney remakes underscore that outcomes vary. Tim Burton’s Dumbo (2019) had little controversy yet floundered with a $45M opening – proof that lack of fan interest or mediocre reviews can be as damaging as any “backlash.” On the flip side, Aladdin (2019) overcame initial skepticism (remember the lukewarm response to Will Smith’s blue Genie in the first trailer?) to gross $1 billion globally through strong family appeal and nostalgia. In summary, there is no consistent trend – some remakes weather pre-release storms and soar, while others struggle due to a mix of factors. Disney’s live-action track record is a mixed bag, and Snow White is poised to land somewhere in that spectrum . Given its iconic source material, it was once expected to be a top-tier performer, but the current projections place it more in the middle of the pack.


Conclusion
As of March 20, 2025, Rachel Zegler’s outspoken comments and the ensuing backlash have clearly influenced public perception of Snow White, creating a tale of two narratives. Online, the film has been mired in controversies – labeled “Snow Woke” by detractors and entangled in debates over “modernizing” a classic – which led Disney to bridle its PR and analysts to dial back box office expectations . Yet, the enduring strength of Disney’s brand and the broad appeal of the princess fantasy mean Snow White is far from a doomed prospect. Industry experts maintain that a large segment of the audience will still show up for the nostalgia, music, and spectacle despite the noise . The projected opening in the ~$50M range, while modest next to previous live-action blockbusters, suggests a respectable turnout even if some potential viewers were turned off. Looking ahead, the film’s legs will depend on whether general audiences embrace this reimagining. If reviews and word-of-mouth stay positive (as early reactions indicate), Snow White could steady itself and attract families throughout the spring. Disney appears to be “managing expectations” – acknowledging it likely won’t replicate the runaway success of Beauty and the Beast or The Lion King, but also confident it can avoid the fate of a true flop . In the end, Rachel Zegler’s comments have made Snow White a lightning rod, shaping its narrative before a single ticket was sold. This has tempered the film’s box office ceiling and shifted its audience mix, but it has also sparked conversations about evolving Disney princess values. The real test begins as the film opens: Disney will soon learn if the fairest one of all can overcome the social media poison apple and win over the hearts of moviegoers in 2025.



Sources: The analysis above is supported by reporting from ABC News Australia , Reuters , Fox News , Boxoffice Pro , The Hollywood Reporter via Toonado , The Scotsman (Edinburgh News) , and other industry and social media sources as cited throughout.

 

[Disstevefan1]

Who gives a cr@p what AI returns about this. Go to the movie or not for your own individual reasons.

 

[MagicMouseFan]

“Disney‘s feature take on its classic 1937 toon Snow Whitefinally is hitting theaters this weekend after weathering a tormenting, blown-out-of-proportion tabloid controversy. Domestic is looking to land between a $45M-$50Mopening with another $55M abroad.

The reported $270M feature production came under fire….”

‘Snow White’ Hopes To Avoid Poison Apples At Box Office With $100M+ Global Opening – Preview

'Snow White' is looking at a $100M global opening at weekend box office, with domestic markets accounting for the majority of that total.

deadline.com

 

[MoonRakerSCM]

Review of Snow from NYT

God those opening paragraphs are horrific. Not that anyone reads NYT anymore, but the text is exactly why people aren't seeing the film and what is wrong with hollywood and its supporters.

"Snow White no longer trills about a prince, true, but heteronormativity still has its happy ending. Huzzah!"

Yeesh. This is why people are beyond caring and are at the point of apathy.

 

[MoonRakerSCM]

Yeah that guy isn’t too smart. Did you see the astronaut’s returning to Earth the other day?

That’s all simple stuff.

What takes real intelligence is setting cars on fire.

Keep in mind people actually think he evilly sits there going 'yes, yes! The AI will only use the moat evil of sources for its text mwahahhahaaa'

People who are supporting violence and destruction of property don't really have sound mind.

 

[MagicMouseFan]

Who gives a cr@p what AI returns about this. Go to the movie or not for your own individual reasons.

Yes.. get your butts in the theater. Need to make my 600 million prediction come true.
Don’t let AI’s prediction of a gross between $300 million and $400 million worldwide pan out.