Don't Blame 'Wokeness' for Disney's 'Snow White' Box Office Struggles

Disney's live-action remake of the 1937 classic 'Snow White' has faced a rocky start at the box office, bringing in $87 million globally, missing nine-figure expectations. In the U.S., the movie garnered $43 million, falling short of the $50 million estimates. Some conservative critics claim that Disney's modernized take with a diversified cast and a changed plotline failed due to 'wokeness,' leading to its underperformance. However, box-office experts argue that the film's struggles are not primarily due to its progressive leanings but rather its failure to connect creatively with audiences. The movie secured only a 43% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes but held a slightly stronger 74% audience score. While attempting to appeal to a diverse audience, the movie might have suffered from mixed messaging and confusing plot elements—criticisms reflected in multiple scathing reviews across the board. The movie's failure could be partly attributed to Disney's recent track record of remakes, which have shown diminishing returns. Within the bigger picture, Disney's repeated strategy of remakes, sequels, and reboots aims to monetize established franchises but doesn't always translate to box office success. Instead, the market seems to crave originality—a trend evidenced by the blockbuster success of unique films like the 'Barbenheimer' phenomenon. Despite the current setback, Disney remains optimistic about leveraging other monetization streams like streaming and merchandise to compensate for box office losses. This situation suggests that achieving a balance between innovation and familiarity is essential for the entertainment titan's sustained success.