During its first weekend in Mexico and the US, the adaptation of Disney's classic, Snow White, managed to gross 3.5 million dollars at the box office. The figure is alarming when compared to the total production cost, which rose to 270.4 million dollars.
The initial reviews reinforce the idea of a disastrous outlook. Critics agree that the movie doesn't meet the expected standards and will hardly be remembered in the future.
The disinterest the film has caused in the United States seems to be reflected in Mexico. Theaters have reported empty rooms, while on social media the dominant discourse blames its failure on its lead, Rachel Zegler.
Why has the new version of "Snow White" been so controversial?
There isn't a single reason to explain it, but everything indicates that the film's fate was sealed from the start.
Many claim that the choice of Rachel Zegler as the lead is a response to a forced inclusion strategy. However, her statements and ideological stance also fueled the controversy.
In an interview, Zegler hinted that her version of Snow White would align with current sensibilities:
"I just want to say that we're not in 1937 anymore, and we've written a Snow White who won't be rescued by a prince. She doesn't dream of finding love either, but of becoming the leader she can be. The leader her late father told her she would be if she was fair, brave, and honest."
Her words caused a wave of criticism both against her and Disney, accused of imposing a progressive agenda in the film. Another controversy arose when the studio decided to recreate the seven dwarfs with CGI to avoid potential controversies.
