A Still From Disney’s Snow White(Photo Credit –Facebook)
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Disney+ is giving Snow White a second wind after a tough run in theaters earlier this year. The live-action remake starring Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot quietly built momentum on streaming after it landed on Disney+ in mid-June and has held its spot in the Top 10 ever since. That is 42 days straight, with the film sitting at No. 7 in the US and climbing even higher globally to No. 5, according to FlixPatrol.
Disney’s Snow White Tanked In Theaters
In theaters, things did not go nearly as well. The film, released in March 2025, made $205.6 million worldwide (Box Office Mojo), but that could not cover a massive budget reportedly between $240 and $270 million. The numbers did not surprise anyone following the film’s rocky road to release.
Controversy Surrounding Rachel Zegler’s Snow White Casting
Snow White had been under scrutiny from the start. The casting of Rachel Zegler as the iconic fairytale character led to polarized reactions, with some labeling the film as too “woke.” Besides, things escalated when old clips of Zegler criticizing the 1937 animated original resurfaced. Her comments about the story being “dated” and her dismissal of the prince’s character did not sit well with many longtime fans.
The film was also hit by production delays and further controversy tied to Gadot’s role. According to CBR, her open support for Israel, especially during the height of the 2023 Israel-Gaza conflict, led to bans in countries like Lebanon and boycotts from pro-Palestinian groups. Lebanon’s government officially blocked the movie, adding it to the same list that included Wonder Woman and Death on the Nile.
“Well, that sounds an awful lot like princess problems”
Critics & Viewers Mixed Reviews On Rotten Tomatoes
Despite all the controversies and fuss, audiences on Disney+ seem more receptive than critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, critics gave it a 38% score, but over 2,500 fans rated it at 70%. For a film labeled a flop just a few months ago, its digital rebound is notable.
Zegler, despite the backlash, continues building her career. After Snow White left theaters, she moved to London to perform in Evita, expected to bring in $9 million during its 12-week run. She is also in discussions to play Maria Von Trapp in a stage revival of The Sound of Music in New York.
Gadot, known best for her role as Wonder Woman, leaned into something new with the Evil Queen. The role let her show a more theatrical side, something she has rarely done onscreen.
The live-action Snow White might not have earned its crown in box office gold but streaming is telling a different story. It is still trending and Disney+ is where it’s thriving.
