MOVIE NEWS – Disney’s latest live-action remake, Snow White, faces high expectations as reports reveal a staggering $240 million budget, meaning it will need substantial box office success to break even. The 1937 animated classic, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, is a cornerstone of Disney’s legacy as its first full-length feature. Now, after reimagining other animated classics, Disney is finally bringing this beloved tale to life, with Rachel Zegler (West Side Story) as Snow White and Gal Gadot (Wonder Woman) as the Evil Queen.

According to Variety, the budget for Snow White rivals that of The Little Mermaid (2023) and is slightly lower than 2019’s The Lion King, which cost $250–260 million. It significantly surpasses other Disney remakes like Aladdin ($185 million), Dumbo ($170 million), and Mulan ($200 million). Whether this figure includes marketing expenses is unclear, but excluding them would push the total even higher.

What Drove Snow White’s Price Tag Sky-High?

Several factors contributed to the film’s hefty price tag. A large fire destroyed parts of the set, adding unexpected costs. The release date, originally set for 2024, was delayed to March 2025, with reshoots occurring in mid-2024. While the $240 million budget is on par with many major blockbusters, it reflects an industry-wide trend of skyrocketing production costs. Even so, Snow White won’t make the list of the most expensive movies ever made.

Mirror, Mirror: Could This Be the Biggest Snow White Yet?

Even before its release, Snow White has been mired in controversy. Much criticism has been aimed at Rachel Zegler, with her comments about the original film and Disneyland ride being misinterpreted to suggest she disparaged the source material. Additionally, the casting of Zegler, who is of Colombian descent, has drawn racist backlash similar to the controversy surrounding Halle Bailey’s role in The Little Mermaid. While Disney’s live-action remakes often provoke mixed reactions, Snow White and The Little Mermaid have faced more intense scrutiny than films like Mufasa: The Lion King or the upcoming Lilo & Stitch.

These issues will undoubtedly influence public perception and present challenges at the box office. However, Snow White is well-positioned to outperform 2012’s Mirror Mirror, which earned $64 million domestically and $183 million globally. The real test will be how it compares to Snow White and the Huntsman, which grossed $155 million in the U.S. and $396 million worldwide. Releasing during spring break could work to its advantage, drawing in families, though competition from Minecraft two weeks later could pose a challenge. With Minecraft also facing fan backlash, the box office race remains unpredictable.

Source: MovieWeb