Anticipation Grows for Disney’s Upcoming Snow White Film
Disney’s live-action adaptation of Snow White is poised for its theatrical release on March 21, and anticipation from the studio is palpable. This contemporary reimagining of the iconic 1937 animated classic has sparked considerable discourse online, largely due to its progressive creative choices and the contentious remarks made by star Rachel Zegler.
The film has not only faced criticism over its narrative direction but has also been a flashpoint in ongoing culture wars, with detractors eager to label it as overtly “woke.”In response to these challenges, Disney is executing a distinctive strategy for the rollout of the film.
Unique Premiere Plans and Restricted Red Carpet Access
As reported earlier this week, the world premiere is taking an unconventional approach with a premiere event scheduled in Los Angeles on March 15. Contrary to some reports suggesting a scaled-back event, Disney has opted for a more controlled setting, excluding traditional red-carpet press to mitigate the risk of spontaneous inquiries directed at Zegler and her co-star Gal Gadot, who portrays the Evil Queen. Disney’s rationale for this decision centers on creating “a more celebratory, family-friendly afternoon event”in line with the film’s target audience.
This isn’t the first instance of a major film navigating a constrained red carpet; Warner Bros. implemented similar measures for the launch of The Flash, starring Ezra Miller. However, the nature of the controversies surrounding these two films is markedly different. Whereas Miller’s situation involved serious legal allegations, Zegler has primarily faced backlash for her opinions on the original film and her outspoken political views. Gadot, noted for her support towards Israel amid rising tensions, also draws mixed reactions from the public, especially following a rumor about her Oscar ceremony participation that her representatives have since dismissed.
International Premiere and Marketing Insights
In a further departure from tradition, the film will not feature a standard premiere in the UK. Instead, Zegler will perform at the picturesque castle in Segovia, Spain, an inspiration for the original film’s iconic castle. Her ascent to fame began with her standout role in Steven Spielberg’s remake of West Side Story.
Even prior to the Los Angeles premiere details, there were indications that Disney might be feeling a sense of trepidation regarding Snow White. Sources within the industry have noted that the studio’s marketing push has been unusually subdued, with advance ticket sales commencing only recently—less than two weeks before the release. Previous live-action family films from the studio typically opened their ticket sales one month in advance, positioning them well ahead of competitors. With minimal competition this spring for female-centric films, the timing could prove beneficial.
“It feels like they’re going through the motions with Snow White, almost as if they are eager to get past it,”remarked an exhibition source to The Hollywood Reporter. “A ticket sales cycle of less than two weeks suggests a lack of confidence.” This comes at a time when the film industry is navigating a challenging landscape as it anticipates the upcoming summer season.
Contradicting Narratives and Promotional Activities
Disney insiders counter this perception, asserting that the initial quiet period was a strategic decision. They argue that the robust promotional efforts were always intended for the lead-up to the Oscars, where Zegler and Gadot presented together.
This promotional campaign is gaining momentum, with billboards appearing across Los Angeles and interviews scheduled for outlets perceived as “safe.” Gadot has made the media rounds on popular shows such as Good Morning America and Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. Simultaneously, Zegler was sent to Tokyo to perform “Waiting on a Wish,”the film’s lead single, alongside Japanese actress Sakura Kiryu, who is the voice of Snow White in the Japanese release. Following this promotional appearance abroad, Zegler is slated to return for the Los Angeles premiere.
Box Office Projections Amid Controversy
Interestingly, despite the swirling controversies, initial tracking indicates that Snow White could debut with a strong box office performance, projecting $50 million to $56 million in domestic earnings. If the film trends towards the higher end of estimates, it would align closely with the $67 million opening of Disney’s 2015 remake of Cinderella. However, concerns linger among exhibitors that without a major boost in interest from moviegoers, the initial figures may mirror the $45 million debut of Dumbo in 2019.
A Complex Backstory
The road leading to this point is fraught with complexity. The casting of Zegler, a performer of Colombian descent, as the traditionally “fair-skinned”character ignited backlash soon after its announcement in 2021. Moreover, the adaptation sought to re-envision the characters of the Seven Dwarfs, which triggered public outcry and ridicule, leading to revisits of the casting choices, including CGI adjustments to align with original portrayals.
In interviews over the past two years, Zegler has openly expressed her disdain for the original film, calling it “extremely dated”in terms of female representation. Her commentary has included assertions about Snow White’s prince being akin to a stalker, with her remarks prompting perceptions of the new version as overly politically correct—a stance she has embraced as necessary for modern storytelling.
In a post after the 2016 election, Zegler took to Instagram to express her sentiments towards Trump and his supporters, which she later apologized for. The dynamic between the film’s leading ladies, who represent contrasting ideological positions, exemplifies the unpredictable landscape Disney now navigates. As the premiere approaches, all eyes will be on how audiences respond to the latest chapter of this timeless tale.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iV46TJKL8cU