Disney-Remake von „Schneewittchen“ steht vor schwerer Herausforderung nach schwachem Kassenstart

Disney’s live-action Snow White remake, directed by Marc Webb and starring Rachel Zegler as the titular princess and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, has officially launched with a domestic opening of $43 million, according to Comscore — marking the second-largest opening of 2025, behind Marvel’s Captain America: Brave New World. However, despite claiming the weekend box office crown, the film’s performance falls short of expectations, particularly when compared to other Disney live-action remakes.

Key Box Office Figures:

• Domestic Opening: $43 million (2025's 2nd largest)
• International Opening: $44.3 million
• Global Total (Opening Weekend): $87.3 million

This is notably weak for a film with a reported production budget exceeding $250 million, especially when factoring in marketing and promotional costs. The film’s performance trails far behind other major live-action Disney remakes:

Thus, Snow White’s $43 million opening — while not a disaster — feels underwhelming for a film of its scale and legacy.

Why the Underperformance?

Several factors may explain the tepid start:

1. Nostalgia vs. Modern Reinterpretation: While IGN gave the film a 7/10, praising its "thoughtful adaptation" and refusal to simply copy the original, the film’s more grounded, darker tone may not have resonated with all audiences expecting a more faithful, whimsical retelling.

2. Casting Controversy: Gal Gadot’s casting as the Evil Queen drew mixed reactions, with some fans uncomfortable with the casting choice due to her prior role as Wonder Woman, a character associated with heroism. This may have muted enthusiasm among traditional Disney fans.

3. Competition & Market Fatigue: The film opened against Captain America: Brave New World, which has already grossed $400.8 million globally, pulling audience attention and energy away. Additionally, the market may be showing fatigue with live-action remakes, especially after a string of underperformers.

4. Marketing and Messaging: The campaign emphasized a feminist, character-driven take on Snow White — a "woman on a journey" — but failed to clearly communicate this to wider audiences, possibly diluting its mass appeal.

Is There Hope for a Comeback?

Yes — and Disney is banking on it.

• Mufasa: The Lion King, a prequel to the 2019 remake, opened to $35.4 million domestically, a similarly modest start. But it went on to earn over $717 million worldwide, proving that slow-burn success is possible with strong word-of-mouth and international legs.

• Snow White could follow a similar trajectory, especially if:

  • It gains traction in international markets (particularly Europe, Asia, and Latin America).
  • Streaming and home media performance is strong.
  • It earns positive reviews and builds a cult following over time.

Disney has a history of turning modest opens into long-term successes — The Lion King (2019) itself had a relatively conservative opening before exploding globally.

Final Verdict:

• Box Office: $43M domestic — below expectations, especially given budget and legacy.
• Critical Reception: Mixed to positive — IGN's 7/10 suggests it's well-made, not a copy, but not a must-see for all.
• Profitability Outlook: Challenging, but not impossible. With strong legs and global appeal, Snow White could still reach $300M+ worldwide, especially if it builds momentum.

Bottom Line: The film didn’t crash — but it didn’t soar either. Disney’s bet on a thoughtful, reimagined Snow White may pay off over time, but for now, it’s a cautionary tale about the risks of remaking beloved classics in a crowded, skeptical market.

Still — as the saying goes: “Mirror, mirror on the wall…” — the mirror might not show the full picture yet. The story is far from over.