Controversy Aside, ‘Snow White’ Hopes to Perk Up the Box Office With $100M-Plus Global Opening

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Previously, the box office revenue for 2025 had increased by 22% compared to the previous year. However, following several disappointing weekends in a row, the current situation shows a decline of 5%.

Based on preliminary data and exhibitor feedback, it seems that Disney’s live-action Snow White may generate domestic earnings within $45 million to $55 million and over $100 million internationally. However, this is not a certainty, as Disney executives remain vigilant. The film, which experienced multiple setbacks due to the pandemic and labor disputes, is being released in nearly every region except for some Middle Eastern territories during Ramadan.

The film Snow White enters cinemas amidst a history of hurdles and disputes, starting with criticisms surrounding the choice of Rachel Zegler to play the lead character due to her ethnicity (she hails from Colombia).

Lately, Disney opted for an uncommon move by prohibiting independent journalists from conducting interviews during the red carpet event of the March 15 world premiere, aiming to maintain full control over the messaging. Despite their political differences concerning the Gaza conflict, Zegler and Gal Gadot, who portrays the wicked queen, both displayed positive attitudes at the premiere without any visible tension. Moreover, Zegler has garnered attention multiple times during the Snow White years, such as voicing her disapproval of Donald Trump’s deportation policies last autumn.

According to industry insiders, there’s a good deal of anticipation and excitement among girls, women of various ages, and families regarding this movie. The film seems to face minimal initial competition and is expected to be shown on numerous IMAX and other large-format screens, which is always beneficial for a film. Even rival executives acknowledge that exhibitors are eager about the release.

Compared to other Disney live-action princess adaptations, Beauty and the Beast broke records when it opened to a staggering $174.6 million domestically in March 2017 (unadjusted for inflation). In comparison, Cinderella debuted with $67.9 million in spring 2015, while Maleficent started with $69 million in May 2014. The sequel to Maleficent, Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, however, saw a more modest opening of $37 million.

Among adults aged 45 and above, Snow White is widely recognized as one of Disney’s most famous princesses. However, she is less known among younger demographics. It’s also worth noting that Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs dates back almost a century. In comparison, Beauty and the Beast was introduced in 1991, with many children growing up watching this animated film at home. Similarly, Cinderella has continued to be a beloved character among Disney princess enthusiasts since her animated movie debuted in 1950.

According to Comscore’s chief box office analyst, Paul Dergarabedian, the movies “Snow White” and “A Minecraft Movie,” which are expected to have strong female audiences, may shatter the slump that has been affecting ticket sales at the box office. He also expressed relief by adding, “Thank goodness.

Prior to official reviews being released, initial responses from the world premiere audience have been largely positive about the film. One spectator deemed it “mostly successful,” while many commended Zegler’s performance, with one commentator going as far as describing her as “strikingly beautiful.

This weekend, you’ll find “The Alto Knights,” a Robert De Niro mob film, gracing theaters. It was among the initial films approved by David Zaslav following the formation of Warner Bros. Discovery in 2022. In this film, De Niro portrays two notorious New York City mob bosses – Frank Costello and Vito Genovese. Directed by Barry Levinson from a script by Nicholas Pileggi, it’s set to have Imax and other premium large format screenings. The movie is projected to open in the single digits.

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2025-03-19 02:24