March 23, 2025 | By FlashpointNews Team
Disney’s live-action remake of Snow White has sparked heated debates and divided audiences, but how did the film fare at the box office in a politically polarized America? With a 43 million domestic opening, against a 43 million domestic opening, against a 270 million production budget, the Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot-led film has become a case study in how cultural controversies and political divides can impact a movie’s performance.
The Blue vs. Red Divide
According to box office analytics firm EntTelligence, Snow White performed notably differently in Blue (Democratic-leaning) and Red (Republican-leaning) counties:
Blue Counties:
60% of ticket sales and 56.5% of total attendance (3.1 million admissions) came from Blue counties.
This aligns with the fact that 53% of U.S. theaters are located in Blue counties, which typically account for 66.78% of overall ticket sales.
Red Counties:
40% of ticket sales and 43.5% of admissions came from Red counties.
Surprisingly, Snow White overperformed in Red counties compared to other family and animated films, which usually draw 37% of ticket sales and 40% of attendance from these areas.
The film’s strong performance in Latino and Hispanic markets, such as Dallas, San Antonio, and Phoenix, also contributed to its Red county numbers.
The Controversies Surrounding Snow White
The live-action remake has been mired in controversy since its early production stages, which may have influenced its box office performance:
Rachel Zegler’s Casting:
Zegler, a Latina actress, faced backlash for her casting as Snow White, with critics accusing Disney of “woke” casting. Zegler responded defiantly, stating, “Yes, I am Snow White. No, I am not bleaching my skin for the role.”
Her past comments criticizing former President Donald Trump also fueled the fire. Zegler’s tweets, including “F*ck Donald Trump,” drew criticism from conservative commentators like Megyn Kelly, who called her out on the Ruthless podcast.
Diversity and DEI Backlash:
The film’s release comes amid a broader rollback of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives by corporations, including Disney, due to pressure from the Trump administration.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr recently warned that company mergers could be blocked over DEI policies, adding to the political tension surrounding the film.
Why Did Snow White Underperform?
While controversies played a role, several other factors contributed to Snow White’s lackluster box office performance:
- Older IP Fatigue:
- Audiences may be growing tired of Disney’s live-action remakes of classic animated films. The lack of demand for older IPs like Snow White is evident in the film’s underwhelming numbers.
- Limited Crossover Appeal:
- Unlike Barbie, which attracted a broad audience, Snow White struggled to appeal beyond its core demographic. Only 28% of the audience was under 13, compared to Barbie’s 14% in the same age group.
- Mixed Marketing:
- Despite Disney’s efforts to promote the film’s diversity and modern take on the classic tale, the marketing campaign failed to generate widespread excitement.
The Silver Lining
Despite its challenges, Snow White had some bright spots:
- Strong Latino/Hispanic Audience:
- The film drew a 30% Latino/Hispanic audience, showcasing its appeal to diverse communities.
- Top-Grossing Theater in a Red State:
- The AMC Disney Springs in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, a Red state, was the highest-grossing cinema for the film, earning $135,000 through its opening weekend.
What’s Next for Snow White?
While Snow White’s box office performance is disappointing, the film could see a slight boost during the spring break season as families and young girls seek entertainment. However, its long-term success remains uncertain, especially in a politically charged environment where cultural controversies can make or break a film.
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