“Woke” Snow White Reboot Flops at the Box Office — Is Rachel Zegler to Blame?
Disney’s highly anticipated live-action remake of Snow White has turned into a major box office failure, earning the dubious honour of being one of the worst-rated films by both critics and audiences in recent memory. Despite a staggering production budget of $250 million, the film is expected to deliver only financial losses. As the studio scrambles to understand what went wrong, much of the blame is being directed at the film’s lead actress, Rachel Zegler.
From the outset, the project seemed cursed. Production was plagued by pandemic-related shutdowns, a Hollywood actors’ strike, and a series of controversies that fuelled criticism well before the film’s release. Among the most contentious points were the film’s casting choices and attempts to modernise the beloved 1937 animated classic — efforts that many fans saw as forced or unnecessary.
Rachel Zegler, known for her vocal political views, became a lightning rod for criticism. She openly criticised the original Snow White, calling it outdated, and publicly expressed support for Palestine and opposition to Donald Trump. Her comments created a backlash online, with some fans accusing her of disrespecting the legacy of the original film and alienating a significant portion of the potential audience.
Rewriting a Classic
The 1937 version of Snow White is widely regarded as a cinematic masterpiece, both in the realm of animation and storytelling. It was Disney’s first full-length animated feature and set the standard for generations of animated films. In line with recent trends, Disney has spent the past decade revisiting its animated back catalogue, releasing live-action remakes of classics like Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, and The Little Mermaid.
However, the attempt to adapt Snow White for 21st-century audiences has not gone smoothly. One of the most visible changes is the casting of Zegler, a Latina actress, in the lead role. In the original Grimm tale and Disney version, Snow White is named for the fairness of her skin — something the new film reinterprets by attributing the name to her being born during a snowstorm.
The seven dwarfs — iconic characters in the original — have also undergone a radical transformation. In this adaptation, they are replaced by mythical creatures rendered in CGI, a move intended to avoid offending individuals with dwarfism. Yet their digital depiction has been widely criticised as awkward and unappealing.
Additionally, the romantic subplot has been revised. Gone is the classic song Someday My Prince Will Come, and with it, the prince himself. In his place is a reimagined character — a well-meaning thief — who ultimately wins Snow White’s heart. The princess, meanwhile, has been portrayed as an empowered heroine who no longer cooks or cleans for others but instead encourages shared responsibility among her companions.
A Film Released at the Wrong Time
The release of Snow White comes at a moment when “woke” culture is facing growing pushback in the United States, particularly after Donald Trump’s recent political resurgence. In this context, Disney’s reimagining of Snow White — notably marketed without reference to the “Seven Dwarfs” — may have missed the mark.
Directed by Marc Webb and released on 21 March, the film grossed just $44.3 million during its opening weekend in the US — well below pre-release expectations of $45–55 million. Worldwide, the film managed to earn $87 million, making it the weakest domestic debut for any Disney live-action remake.
Given the high production and promotional costs, experts say it is virtually impossible for the film to break even, let alone turn a profit. The commercial and critical failure of Snow White raises serious questions about Disney’s current strategy of reinterpreting classic stories through a contemporary lens — especially when it alienates both nostalgic audiences and new viewers.
In the end, while Rachel Zegler may not be solely responsible for the film’s failure, her role at the centre of its controversy cannot be ignored. For Disney, this flop serves as a stark reminder that even beloved fairy tales are not immune to modern-day culture wars.
Explosion Cliffhanger in Emmerdale: Are Cain and Moira Dingle Dead?
Emmerdale fans have been left on the edge of their seats following a shocking episode in which Cain and Moira Dingle were caught in a barn explosion. The intense scenes aired on Wednesday night, with viewers still uncertain about the fate of the much-loved couple.
The dramatic sequence unfolded as flames engulfed Moira’s barn, trapping her and Cain inside. The pair were shown desperately trying to escape as the fire rapidly spread, causing panic among their friends and family who watched on helplessly from outside.
Earlier in the episode, Ruby Miligan was rescued from the blaze by Mackenzie Boyd and John Sugden. After ensuring Ruby was safe, they remained outside the barn along with Cain’s siblings, Caleb Miligan and Chas Dingle, hoping the others would make it out alive.
Cain, realising Moira hadn’t escaped with the others, rushed back into the burning building to find her. He eventually located his wife, and the couple began their frantic attempt to get out. In a touching moment amidst the chaos, Moira confessed her love to Cain, a poignant reminder of their emotional journey despite recent marital difficulties.
In a desperate bid to survive, Cain grabbed a large blanket to shield them from the intense heat and flames. Wrapping Moira and himself in the fabric, they attempted to navigate their way towards the barn’s entrance. Outside, their loved ones looked on, waiting anxiously for any sign of them.
Just as it seemed there might be a chance of escape, the barn exploded in a massive fireball. The blast was powerful enough to throw those outside to the ground. Cain and Moira were still inside at the moment of the explosion, leaving their fate uncertain.
Fans immediately took to social media to share their theories, with many fearing the worst. Some viewers believe the explosion could mark the end for one or both characters, speculating that the show may be preparing for an emotional exit.
Cain and Moira are two of the soap’s most iconic characters, and their potential departure would mark a significant shift in the storyline. Neither actor has confirmed any plans to leave Emmerdale, which only adds to the suspense and speculation surrounding the storyline.
The show has a history of delivering dramatic twists and turns, and this latest cliffhanger is no exception. With the next episode yet to reveal whether Cain and Moira survived, fans are eagerly awaiting answers.
What lies ahead remains to be seen. Whether this explosive event leads to tragedy or miraculous survival, it’s clear that Emmerdale is not holding back on high-stakes drama. Until more is revealed, viewers will have to sit tight and hope for a positive outcome for the Dingles.