In a striking turn of events, Rachel Zegler, the lead of Disney’s much-anticipated “Snow White” remake, found herself at the center of a theatrical catastrophe as the film bombed at the box office. Released on March 21, 2025, the movie grossed a meager $43 million during its opening weekend, a stark contrast to its $250 million budget. Zegler, 23, along with a small group of friends, attended a screening that was nearly deserted, an image that has since gone viral, capturing the film’s disappointing reception.

Critics and social media users wasted no time in highlighting the film’s struggles, with many pointing out the stark difference in performance compared to other Disney remakes, such as “The Little Mermaid,” which debuted at $95 million. As online commentary erupted, many took the opportunity to roast Zegler, who previously expressed confidence in her film’s success, claiming audiences would line up to see her work.

The film’s box office disaster comes amid a swirl of controversies surrounding Zegler, including her candid remarks about the original 1937 “Snow White” story, which she labeled “weird.” These comments fueled backlash from audiences who questioned her commitment to the role. Furthermore, behind-the-scenes tensions reportedly escalated between Zegler and her co-star Gal Gadot, particularly regarding political statements Zegler made during promotional events, which some believed undermined the film’s potential.

As Disney grappled with the fallout, executives faced tough questions about how to salvage their investment. The muted promotional efforts for “Snow White,” including lower-key premieres, appeared to reflect a lack of confidence in the film’s reception. Critics are now calling for an examination of how Disney mismanaged such a high-profile project, turning what was meant to be a fairy tale into a cautionary tale for the studio. As the dust settles, it remains to be seen what the future holds for both Zegler and the Disney brand in the wake of this high-profile flop.