Snow White, Disney’s latest live-action adaptation, has achieved a significant box office milestone. Starring Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, the film features new music from the acclaimed duo Pasek and Paul, known for their work on The Greatest Showman. While the film premiered at the top of the domestic box office, its overall performance has been affected by numerous factors, including a disappointing 40% score on Rotten Tomatoes and backlash regarding its portrayal of the seven dwarfs, coupled with the leads’ controversial views on the Israel-Palestine conflict.
According to Variety, as of Sunday morning, Snow White is slated to conclude its third weekend in theaters with a global earnings of approximately $168 million. This progress allows it to surpass the $150 million mark, positioning it among the Top 5 films of 2025 thus far. However, with an estimated production cost of $250 million, the film remains far from recouping its substantial budget.
Implications for Snow White’s Future
Projected Financial Losses at the Box Office
The most considerable obstacle to Snow White‘s success is its hefty budget. The general rule in Hollywood dictates that films need to earn back about two and a half times their production budget to break even, meaning this film would need to reach a staggering break-even point of approximately $625 million. Given that theaters retain about 50% of ticket sales and that marketing expenses are not included in production costs, the financial outlook appears grim.
Currently, projections indicate that it may struggle to cross the $100 million threshold in domestic earnings by the time its theatrical run concludes. This casts doubt on its ability to recoup its production costs, with many speculating on the extent of its impending financial losses. Future earnings from Video on Demand (VOD) and its eventual release on Disney+ could offer some financial relief, potentially generating additional subscriber revenue. Nevertheless, it appears that the main concern is now about how much money it will ultimately lose rather than if it will lose money at all.
Our Perspective on the Box Office Performance
Positive Audience Reactions May Provide a Silver Lining
Despite the ongoing controversies, one encouraging sign for Snow White is the disparity between audience and critic reactions; while critics have been harsh, audiences seem to be responding more favorably. The film currently holds a 73% rating on Rotten Tomatoes’ Popcornmeter, reflecting a positive sentiment that is 33% higher than its critical score. Although this does not equate to overwhelmingly positive reviews, it could lead to a gradual increase in word-of-mouth promotion as the film continues its theatrical run.
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Source: Variety