Disney’s Snow White Pulled from AMC Theaters: A Cinematic Catastrophe or Overblown Drama?

Disney’s live-action Snow White, released on March 21, 2025, was meant to be a triumphant reimagining of the 1937 classic that launched the studio’s animation legacy. Starring Rachel Zegler as the titular princess and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, the film promised to blend nostalgia with modern flair. Instead, it’s become one of Disney’s most polarizing projects, plagued by controversy and now facing a stunning claim: Snow White has been “removed” from all AMC theaters, branded a “total embarrassment” for the studio. But is this true, or has the narrative been inflated by fan outrage and online hyperbole? Let’s dissect the rumor, explore its roots, and assess what this means for Disney’s storied brand.

The Rumor: Snow White Vanishes from AMC

The claim that Snow White was “removed from all AMC theaters” surfaced in early April 2025, fueled by social media posts and entertainment blogs. These sources pointed to the film’s dismal box office performance and shrinking theater count as evidence of a historic flop, with some calling it a humiliating retreat for Disney. The phrase “total embarrassment” captures the sentiment of detractors who see the film’s struggles as a referendum on the studio’s creative choices, particularly its approach to diversity and modernization.

However, the claim doesn’t hold up under scrutiny. As of April 13, 2025, Snow White remains in 2,540 theaters domestically, including AMC locations, though it has shed 1,210 venues since its second weekend, according to Deadline and Forbes. This reduction is significant but not a complete removal—standard for underperforming films as theaters prioritize new releases like A Minecraft Movie, which earned $80.6 million in its second weekend compared to Snow White’s $2.8 million. The “all AMC theaters” narrative appears to be an exaggeration, likely sparked by viral posts misinterpreting the film’s declining presence. Still, the rumor’s traction reveals real discontent with Disney’s latest gamble.

Snow White’s Troubled Journey

To understand why this rumor resonates, we need to trace Snow White’s rocky path. Announced in 2016, the remake aimed to refresh the fairy tale for a new generation. Directed by Marc Webb (The Amazing Spider-Man), it cast Zegler, a Latina of Colombian and Polish descent, as Snow White, and Gadot as the Evil Queen. The story was retooled to emphasize empowerment—Zegler described Snow White as a “leader” rather than a damsel, and the iconic seven dwarfs were reimagined as diverse “magical creatures” to avoid ableist stereotypes, per Disney’s 2023 statement. A second group of human companions was added, a move later criticized as redundant.

Controversy dogged the project from the start. Zegler’s casting sparked backlash from some fans who argued it deviated from the “fairest” Snow White of folklore, though supporters praised the inclusive choice. Her 2023 comments dismissing the original’s “weird” love story and “stalker” prince drew ire, seen as disrespecting Disney’s heritage. The dwarf redesigns, revealed in 2024 trailers, alienated others, with critics like YouTuber Nerdrotic dubbing it “The Wokelyte” for prioritizing politics over charm. Zegler’s pro-Palestine posts added fuel, prompting boycott calls from some quarters, though Collider deemed these an unfair scapegoat for the film’s woes.

The film’s March 21 opening was underwhelming: $42.2 million domestically across 4,200 theaters, per Box Office Mojo, against a $270 million budget. By its second weekend, it plummeted 66% to $14.3 million, losing the top spot to A Working Man. As of April 13, it’s grossed $81.9 million domestically and $173 million globally, far from the $625 million needed to break even, factoring in theater splits and marketing costs. The soundtrack flopped too, debuting at No. 11 on Billboard’s Kid Albums chart, behind Frozen’s decade-old set.

Why “Removed”? The Theater Reality

The rumor’s “AMC removal” claim likely stems from the film’s rapid theater drop-off. After losing 450 venues in its third weekend, Snow White shed another 1,210 by April 11, leaving it in 2,540 theaters—still a wide release, but a shadow of its 4,200 peak. AMC, the largest U.S. chain with over 600 locations, naturally reflects this trend, but no evidence suggests a total pull. AMC’s 2025 focus, per CNBC, is on premium screens for blockbusters like Captain America: Brave New World, not yanking films outright. A post on X from April 13 claimed “empty” AMC showings, but this reflects low attendance, not a ban.

Theater reductions are routine—The Marvels (2023) lost 1,000 venues in its third week, grossing $205 million against $220 million. Snow White’s slide, though, is steeper, driven by poor word-of-mouth (40% Rotten Tomatoes) and competition from A Minecraft Movie ($550.6 million globally). Disney hasn’t issued a statement on AMC specifically, but its March 31 earnings call acknowledged “underperformance” in live-action remakes, hinting at a strategic pivot.

The “Embarrassment” Angle: Why It Sticks

Calling Snow White a “total embarrassment” taps into broader frustration with Disney’s live-action slate. Since The Lion King’s $1.6 billion haul in 2019, remakes like Pinocchio (2022) and Peter Pan & Wendy (2023) have faltered, streaming on Disney+ with little fanfare. Snow White, meant to anchor 2025, was a high-stakes bet—its $270 million budget dwarfs Cinderella’s $95 million, which earned $543 million in 2015. A projected $115 million loss, per Deadline, stings for a studio that once banked on fairy tales.

Critics attribute the flop to “woke” missteps—Zegler’s comments, the dwarf overhaul, and a perceived feminist agenda alienated some fans. A 2024 Daily Mail op-ed argued Disney “forgot its audience,” citing Snow White’s diverse casting and altered plot as disconnects. Review-bombing hit hard: IMDb reported 91% of 308,000 reviews gave one star, skewing perceptions. Yet supporters counter that The Little Mermaid (2023) overcame similar backlash, grossing $569 million with Halle Bailey’s casting. They argue Snow White’s issues—clunky pacing, weak songs—aren’t ideological but creative, with Variety noting its “earnestness” couldn’t overcome “sloppy” execution.

The “embarrassment” also reflects Disney’s cultural tightrope. A 2023 Pew poll shows 56% of Americans back workplace diversity, but 61% oppose quotas, mirroring fan fatigue with heavy-handed messaging. Snow White’s failure to charm kids—its PG rating and darker tone lagged behind Moana’s family appeal—hurt most, per a 2025 LA Times analysis.

Disney’s Response and Industry Impact

Disney hasn’t confirmed pulling Snow White from AMC or elsewhere, focusing instead on upcoming releases. Mufasa: The Lion King (2024) earned $330 million, and Moana 2 (2025) is projected to hit $500 million, cushioning the blow. CEO Bob Iger, in a February 2025 call, stressed “storytelling over agenda,” suggesting a shift toward universal themes. Lilo & Stitch (May 2025) and Moana (July 2026) are next, but Tangled’s remake was paused, per Metro UK, hinting at caution after Snow White’s fallout.

The rumor’s spread—fueled by X posts calling theaters “empty”—shows how narratives amplify. A 2025 Forbes report clarified Snow White’s No. 4 box office rank, not a total exit, but the damage is done: Disney’s brand as a surefire hitmaker is bruised. Rivals like Universal (Minions: The Rise of Gru, $939 million) capitalize on simpler crowd-pleasers, while Disney rethinks its formula.

The Bigger Picture: What Went Wrong?

Snow White’s struggles aren’t just about theaters. Its 40% Rotten Tomatoes score reflects mixed reviews—critics like Roger Ebert’s team praised Zegler’s voice but panned the CGI creatures. Competition hurt too: A Minecraft Movie’s 4,289 theaters dwarfed Snow White’s shrinking footprint. Zegler’s polarizing persona—admired by Gen Z for activism, reviled by others for outspokenness—didn’t help, though blaming her alone ignores structural issues, like Disney’s $250 million gamble on a niche remake.

The “woke” critique, central to the rumor, oversimplifies. Encanto (2021) grossed $256 million with diverse leads, proving audiences embrace inclusion when stories resonate. Snow White’s failure lies in execution—new songs lacked Frozen’s earworm magic, and the dual-companion setup confused viewers. A 2025 Nation piece noted the film got “caught in culture wars,” but its core flaw was failing to enchant, not its politics.

What’s Next for Disney?

Snow White will likely limp to $90 million domestically, per Variety, missing $100 million—a far cry from Beauty and the Beast’s $504 million in 2017. Streaming on Disney+ may recoup losses, as Mufasa did with 50 million views in Q1 2025, per internal data. But the “embarrassment” narrative could haunt future remakes, forcing Disney to prioritize tighter scripts over splashy budgets.

AMC, meanwhile, isn’t abandoning Disney—its 2025 slate includes Captain America and Mufasa, per CNBC. The chain’s focus on premium screens suggests Snow White’s exit from some locations is business, not rejection. Zegler’s career, with Y2K and Spellbound upcoming, remains solid, though she’s stayed quiet since the film’s March flop.

Conclusion: A Tale of Hype and Hard Truths

The claim that Snow White was “removed from all AMC theaters” is a distortion—2,540 venues still screen it, even as numbers dwindle. The “total embarrassment” tag, though, captures a real wound: Disney’s fairy tale stumbled, losing money and goodwill. Whether due to creative missteps, cultural backlash, or bad timing, Snow White’s saga shows the risks of reimagining classics in a divided world. Disney’s magic isn’t gone—Moana 2 looms large—but this chapter stings. Like Snow White herself, the studio must wake from this nightmare and find a new path, with fans watching every step.