Snow White stumbles: Disney’s live-action reboot dwarfed by Minecraft movie debut
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA — In a surprising box office upset, Disney’s highly anticipated Snow White remake was outperformed in its opening weekend by Minecraft: The Movie, which earned $120 million domestically compared to Snow White’s $38 million. The stark contrast in reception has fueled debate over Disney’s recent creative direction and the influence of diversity-driven storytelling.
Key Points
- Minecraft: The Movie opened to $120 million in the U.S., tripling Snow White’s $38 million debut.
- Disney’s reimagining of Snow White replaced the seven dwarfs with “magical companions,” prompting backlash.
- Social media criticism and negative buzz have dominated online discourse surrounding the Disney film.
The new Snow White, released on March 28, featured Rachel Zegler in the lead role and was marketed as a modern take on the 1937 animated classic. The film’s promotional focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion drew early criticism from fans, particularly the replacement of the iconic seven dwarfs with a racially diverse group of magical characters. Pre-release comments from Zegler, calling the original “outdated,” further fueled controversy and online backlash.
Critics and viewers alike cited the film’s perceived prioritization of messaging over entertainment as a factor in its underwhelming performance. Hashtags such as #SnowWoke and #DEIDisney trended on X, with users mocking the film’s special effects and tone. “Disney took a classic and turned it into a sermon,” wrote one user in a widely shared post.
Minecraft’s unexpected momentum
By contrast, Minecraft: The Movie, a hybrid of live action and animation starring Jack Black and Jason Momoa, opened to strong audience reviews. With a 92% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and positive word-of-mouth, the film capitalized on the enduring popularity of the game. Its straightforward narrative and faithful tone appealed to longtime fans of the sandbox franchise.
Despite its $150 million budget, the film’s early earnings have already made it a financial success. The movie’s plot—centered on survival and creativity in the game’s pixelated universe—has drawn praise for embracing the spirit of the original material rather than reinterpreting it.
Industry reaction and future impact
Film analysts have pointed to this box office divide as a cautionary tale. “Disney misread the room,” said critic Mark Hensley. “Audiences don’t want to be preached at—they want to be entertained.” With several more live-action reboots in development, including reimaginings of Hercules and The Princess and the Frog, industry insiders are watching closely to see if Disney adjusts its strategy.
The poor showing of Snow White could have ripple effects throughout Disney’s future programming and branding. Meanwhile, Minecraft’s strong debut signals a renewed appetite for adaptations that reflect the tone and heart of their original media without reinterpretation.