Disney has opted to offer gifts to everyday folks on Mother’s Day by repeatedly showcasing its live-action Snow White film.
Over the weekend, Disney extended the showings of Snow White, under the apparent assumption that many Americans might enjoy this artistic endeavor—now in 1,020 theatres. Last weekend, it had initially debuted in just 310 theatres, but by Mother’s Day, that number swelled to 1,330.
The results? Not exactly impressive…
Previously, Snow White: An Unbearable Girl Boss had earned $217,000 from its 310 theatres. After expanding to more venues, it grossed—wait for it—$335,000.
So far, this film has amassed only $86.5 million, with a total worldwide of $202 million.
We should all feel a sense of relief in rejecting this box office disaster, an iconic failure that might be remembered for years to come. It’s hard to ignore that an objectively poor film like this exists. Disney’s actions suggest a troubling trend, potentially compromising the innocence and spirits of young audiences. The problematic aspects of Snow White are merely the beginning, but perhaps they aren’t the main issue.
Market dynamics are, in some way, the only force that can challenge Disney’s controversial choices, particularly regarding how they influence children’s values and identities.
I can’t help but wonder about Disney’s motives for this expansion. Was there hope to push the domestic total to $100 million as a sort of landmark? But that didn’t pan out, perhaps because history tends to reveal the truth, and it seems Disney is struggling. Rachel Zegler, the star of Snow White, might find her next opportunities hidden in the sea of indie films or lost in Netflix’s algorithm.
It’s perfectly normal to have grievances against Disney; they paved the way for this.
