New ‘Snow White’ Receives Lowest Audience Score for a Disney Live-Action Remake
Disney’s live-action remake of ‘Snow White’ hit theaters recently, and it’s stirring up some chatter. This isn’t just another retelling of the classic tale—it’s made history, but not in the way the studio might have hoped. Audiences gave it a B+ on CinemaScore, which tracks how moviegoers feel right after watching. That’s a decent mark for most films, but for Disney’s track record with live-action remakes, it stands out as the lowest ever.
The film brings Rachel Zegler into the spotlight as Snow White, with Gal Gadot playing the wicked Evil Queen. Directed by Marc Webb, it’s a musical take on the 1937 animated original, complete with new songs and a fresh spin on the story. Zegler’s known for her breakout role in ‘West Side Story,’ while Gadot’s no stranger to big roles, having starred in ‘Wonder Woman.’ The cast also includes Andrew Burnap as a new character, Jonathan, replacing the traditional Prince Charming.
CinemaScore isn’t just a random poll—it’s a snapshot of opening night reactions, and Disney’s live-action remakes usually score high. Think about ‘Beauty and the Beast’ or ‘The Little Mermaid’—both walked away with A grades. Even ‘Aladdin’ and ‘The Lion King,’ which had their share of critics, managed strong marks from viewers. A B+ for ‘Snow White’ isn’t terrible, but it’s a step down from what we’re used to seeing. It’s the kind of grade that says people didn’t hate it, but they weren’t blown away either.
What’s behind this? Well, the movie’s had its share of buzz—some good, some not so much. The decision to use CGI for the seven dwarfs instead of casting actors with dwarfism sparked debate early on. Then there’s the shift in the story—Snow White’s not just waiting for a prince anymore; she’s out to take down the queen with help from her crew. I like that they tried something different, but it’s clear not every change landed with the crowd. Add in a hefty $250 million budget, and the stakes were high.
Looking back, Disney’s been churning out these remakes for years. ‘Cinderella’ in 2015 was a hit with its charm and visuals, earning an A from audiences. ‘Mulan’ in 2020 took a grittier approach and still nabbed an A-, even without the songs. ‘Snow White’ is the latest in a long line, but that B+ suggests it didn’t quite capture the magic for everyone. It’s not a flop by any means—kids might still love it, and Zegler’s singing is getting praise—but it’s not the home run Disney’s used to hitting.
The lowest CinemaScore for a Disney live-action remake isn’t a death knell, though. Movies can bounce back with strong word of mouth or overseas box office. But right now, it’s a signal that this ‘Snow White’ didn’t leave theatergoers whistling a happy tune. We’ll see if it finds its footing as more people check it out—or if it’s a sign Disney might need to rethink its remake recipe.