In the swirling vortex of Hollywood’s latest tempest, we find Disney grappling with a flop of unexpectedly epic proportions. The culprit? Their new “Snow White” movie, showcasing Rachel Zegler as the leading lady. It’s garnering attention for all the wrong reasons, and not even Snow White’s seven friends could steer this cinematic ship in the right direction. No, this saga is a parade of low box office returns and internet mockery.
From the get-go, casting Zegler seemed like digging a hole with a teaspoon. Known off-screen for her fiery political declarations, she became Disney’s bold choice — or perhaps liability. Her no-nonsense endorsement of a political figure and subsequent challenge to audiences to unfollow if they disagree seemed to have left a sour taste. Audiences didn’t hesitate to grant her wish, meeting her challenge with a resounding, theater-emptying response.
Now, the numbers don’t lie. With a production budget north of $250 million, “Snow White” is struggling with low box office returns. It’s been bested by several flicks, including films about, yes, Jesus Christ. This little irony probably isn’t lost on Disney’s executives, who are no doubt poring over spreadsheets and blurting into conference calls. Meanwhile, as the movie struggles to reach higher box office numbers domestically, the Rotten Tomatoes score sinks lower than a snake’s belly in a wagon rut.
Forget the enchanted stalks of beanstalk fame; Disney’s endeavor might have been better welcomed if Snow White’s storyline resonated more with audiences. Sadly, it seems like the fairy-tale magic morphed into a box office nightmare.
Worse still, poor Rachel Zegler is now the flavor of meme season. The internet has latched onto AI-powered memes, spoofing her performance and delivering one digital jab after another. It’s hard not to laugh, albeit with a hint of grimace. Even without digital assistance, her portrayal is being mocked as, let’s say, less than stellar. When your acting meets gigabytes of parody, it might be time to question your career choices or maybe just your advisors.
In the end, Disney has found itself caught between the hammer and the anvil, their decisions leading them to a trap of their own making. It’s a lesson in brand and character stewardship served with a hefty side of public opinion backlash. As for Rachel Zegler, the silver screen pain might turn into a teachable experience, albeit one not scripted in her acting school classes. And for everyone else, there might be dark comedy in watching Disney scramble to find its footing once again.
