No, it’s not Rachel Zegler’s FAULT Snow White Bombed

Rachel Zegler This is NOT your FAULT

Disney’s 2025 live-action remake of Snow White was supposed to be another jewel in the studio’s crown of reimagined classics. Instead, it has become one of the most controversial and commercially disappointing releases in recent memory. While many online discussions blame Rachel Zegler, the film’s lead, for its failure, that argument is far too simplistic. This analysis dives into the many factors that contributed to Snow White’s struggles at the box office, from production decisions to casting controversies and marketing missteps.

The Landscape of Live-Action Remakes

In the last decade, Disney has aggressively pursued live-action remakes of its animated classics. While some (The Jungle Book, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast) have found success, others (Aladdin, Mulan) have struggled to resonate with audiences. Snow White entered a market already fatigued by these retellings, and without a clear reason to justify its existence, it failed to generate the same level of excitement as earlier remakes.

Production Challenges and Budget Concerns

One of the biggest issues surrounding Snow White was its ballooning production budget. With reported costs exceeding $270 million, the film needed a massive box office return to break even. However, delays, reshoots, and extensive CGI work all contributed to costs spiraling out of control. In a time when audiences are becoming more selective about what they watch in cinemas, Snow White simply didn’t offer the spectacle needed to justify its price tag.

Narrative and Character Revisions

Disney made significant changes to the original 1937 story in an effort to modernize the tale for a new generation.

• Snow White was reimagined as an independent leader rather than a damsel in distress waiting to be rescued.
• The prince’s role was significantly reduced, further distancing the film from traditional romance narratives.
• The seven dwarfs were replaced with a diverse group of bandits, a choice that led to backlash from both traditionalists and disability rights advocates.

While the intention was to create a progressive and empowering version of Snow White, many viewers felt the changes stripped the film of its original charm without offering a compelling alternative.

Casting Decisions and Public Response

Rachel Zegler’s casting as Snow White was met with initial backlash from some quarters of the internet, with complaints centered around her ethnicity. However, as the film’s release approached, critics and audiences widely agreed that Zegler was actually one of its strongest elements. Her singing ability and emotional depth were praised, even by those who found fault with the movie as a whole.

Conversely, Gal Gadot’s performance as the Evil Queen has been widely criticized, with many labeling her portrayal as flat and unconvincing. A TikTok trend emerged mocking her over-the-top delivery and awkward line readings, further highlighting a casting decision that failed to elevate the film.

Whenever a film dares to deviate from an original character’s blueprint, the internet erupts. No matter where one stands in the debate, there’s no denying that this backlash played a role in the film’s struggles. Halle Bailey’s turn as Ariel in The Little Mermaid became a cultural landmark, bolstered by the unwavering support of the Black community—yet it didn’t shield her from the deluge of vitriol from those unwilling to accept that a mermaid could be anything other than white. Rachel Zegler’s reception may not have been identical, but the hostility she faced was drawn from the same well of resentment.

Snow White Critical Reception and Audience Feedback

Upon release, Snow White received mixed-to-negative reviews from critics. While Rachel Zegler’s performance was generally seen as a highlight, other aspects of the film, including its visual effects, narrative changes, and lackluster pacing, were heavily criticized.

Audience reactions were similarly divided. On Reddit and smaller film blogs, many fans voiced their disappointment, particularly with the film’s lack of magic and Disney charm. Meanwhile, Gal Gadot’s performance continued to receive backlash, with TikTok users ridiculing her line delivery and character interpretation.

Broader Industry Trends and External Factors

It’s also important to acknowledge that Snow White’s failure isn’t happening in a vacuum. The film industry has been struggling with declining box office numbers, partly due to shifts in audience preferences. Many viewers now opt for streaming over theatrical releases, and only major event films seem to break through.

Additionally, industry-wide strikes in 2023 disrupted production schedules, potentially affecting the final quality of Snow White. Even if the film had been well-received, it would still have faced an uphill battle in today’s cinematic landscape.

Ultimately, Snow White’s failure isn’t down to Rachel Zegler. The film struggled because of a combination of high production costs, controversial creative choices, lackluster marketing, and changing audience habits. While Zegler faced unfair criticism, she was also one of the film’s redeeming elements. If Disney wants to learn from this misfire, it needs to rethink its approach to live-action adaptations—both in terms of storytelling and audience engagement.