Thousands of Theaters Dump Rachel Zegler’s Snow White as A Minecraft Movie Builds a Box Office Empire

Disney’s live-action Snow White remake, starring Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, was meant to be a magical reimagining of the 1937 classic that defined the studio’s fairy-tale legacy. Released on March 21, 2025, the film promised a modern spin with feminist undertones and a diverse cast. Instead, it has become a cautionary tale of cinematic missteps, plummeting to a historic low of 1.6/10 on IMDb and hemorrhaging box office revenue. In a stunning turn of events, thousands of theaters across the U.S. have pulled Snow White from their screens, replacing it with A Minecraft Movie, a family-friendly adaptation of the beloved video game that has defied expectations with a staggering $551 million global haul. As Snow White fades from the box office top five, what led to this unprecedented rout, and why is A Minecraft Movie stealing the show? Let’s explore the controversies, cultural clashes, and market dynamics that turned Disney’s fairy tale into a nightmare while a blocky adventure soared.

The Fall of Snow White: A Perfect Storm of Controversy

From its announcement in 2016, Snow White faced an uphill battle. The casting of Rachel Zegler, a 23-year-old Latina actress of Colombian descent, as Snow White sparked backlash from conservative fans who argued she didn’t match the character’s “skin as white as snow” description from the Brothers Grimm tale. Zegler, who won a Golden Globe for West Side Story (2021), faced racist attacks online, responding in a now-deleted tweet: “Yes, I am Snow White, no I am not bleaching my skin for the role.” Her outspoken criticism of the 1937 original, particularly its “stalker” prince and dated gender roles, further alienated traditionalists. In a 2022 Extra TV interview, she said, “Snow White is not going to be dreaming about true love—she’s dreaming about becoming the leader she knows she can be.” These comments, while resonating with progressive audiences, fueled accusations of “wokeness” that dogged the film’s marketing.

The decision to replace the Seven Dwarfs with CGI “magical gnomes” also drew ire, particularly after actor Peter Dinklage criticized Disney for perpetuating stereotypes. Disney’s pivot to CGI characters failed to quell the backlash, with the dwarfism community and fans alike decrying the change. Gal Gadot’s casting as the Evil Queen added further complexity. Her vocal support for Israel, tied to her past service in the Israel Defense Forces, clashed with Zegler’s pro-Palestine activism, notably her August 2024 X post: “and always remember, free Palestine.” The post, which amassed 8.8 million views, sparked death threats against Gadot, prompting Disney to bolster her security. Rumors of a feud between the co-stars intensified, with Zegler’s Instagram posts omitting Gadot and Disney scheduling separate press events for the actresses.

When Snow White hit theaters, it faced a brutal reception. Its $42.2 million domestic opening weekend was underwhelming for a $270 million production, and it dropped 66% in its second weekend to $14.3 million. By its fourth weekend, the film had grossed just $81.9 million domestically and $173 million globally, far short of the $500 million needed to break even. IMDb’s 1.6/10 rating, based on over 338,000 user votes, reflected intense review-bombing, with 90% of reviews giving one star. IMDb issued a warning about “unusual voting activity,” mirroring backlash seen in The Acolyte and The Little Mermaid. Critics gave mixed reviews, with a 41% Rotten Tomatoes score, praising Zegler’s performance but slamming Gadot’s “flat” Evil Queen and the film’s uneven script. X posts amplified the hate, with users calling it “Snow Woke” and targeting both actresses’ politics.

Theaters Pull the Plug: Snow White’s Humiliating Exit

By early April 2025, Snow White’s box office collapse was undeniable. The film shed 1,210 theaters on April 11, dropping from 4,200 to 2,540 screens, and fell out of the domestic top five. According to Deadline, it earned a mere $2.8 million domestically in its fourth weekend, a 95% decline from its opening. Reports surfaced that thousands of theaters, including major chains like Cinemark and Regal, axed Snow White entirely to make room for A Minecraft Movie, which debuted on April 4. X posts from users like @WanderLustAK907 confirmed local theaters dropping Snow White for additional Minecraft showtimes, reflecting a broader trend. Forbes noted the film’s “white flag” surrender, projecting it would struggle to reach $300 million globally, cementing a $115 million loss for Disney.

Disney’s handling of the fiasco exacerbated the damage. The studio scaled back the March 15 premiere to a press-free event, citing “standard practice” for family films, though Moana 2’s lavish premiere suggested otherwise. Advance ticket sales were delayed until less than two weeks before release, a stark contrast to Disney’s usual month-long window. Variety reported that Disney hired a social media manager to vet Zegler’s posts after her anti-Trump comments and pro-Palestine stance alienated conservative audiences. Producer Marc Platt’s son, Jonah, publicly criticized Zegler on Instagram, calling her “immature” and “narcissistic” for “hijacking” the film’s narrative, though he later deleted the post. The studio’s aggressive damage control, including pausing a planned Tangled remake, signaled a retreat from its live-action remake strategy.

A Minecraft Movie: The Unlikely Box Office King

While Snow White floundered, A Minecraft Movie emerged as an unexpected juggernaut. Directed by Jared Hess and starring Jack Black, Jason Momoa, and Jennifer Coolidge, the film adapts the 2011 sandbox video game, which boasts 300 million copies sold worldwide. Released on April 4, 2025, it defied poor reviews (64% on Rotten Tomatoes) to gross $301 million globally in its opening weekend, including $157 million domestically across 4,289 theaters. By its second weekend, it added $80.6 million domestically, reaching $280.3 million in the U.S. and $550.6 million worldwide. Daily Mail reported its “staggering” success, attributing it to a built-in fanbase of young gamers and nostalgic adults.

Unlike Snow White, A Minecraft Movie faced minimal controversy. Its lighthearted, family-friendly tone and star-studded cast resonated with audiences seeking escapism. Newsweek noted that while both films were panned by critics, Minecraft’s opening weekend dwarfed Snow White’s, with theater owners prioritizing its showtimes due to overwhelming demand. X posts, like one from @Fish2Write, marveled at Minecraft’s triumph, noting its “cheesy” appeal outshone Snow White’s “woke” baggage. The film’s A+ CinemaScore and viral TikTok trends, including fans reenacting game mechanics in theaters, boosted its staying power. Forbes projected a 50% drop in its second weekend, far gentler than Snow White’s 66%, underscoring its market dominance.

Why Snow White Sank and Minecraft Soared

The contrasting fates of Snow White and A Minecraft Movie highlight stark differences in audience appeal and studio strategy. Snow White’s controversies—Zegler’s comments, Gadot’s politics, and Disney’s creative missteps—alienated key demographics. Its feminist reimagining and CGI gnomes felt like pandering to some and betrayal to others, while review-bombing and boycotts amplified the backlash. The New Yorker argued the film’s failure was “structural,” reflecting Hollywood’s overreliance on recycled IP, with Zegler unfairly scapegoated for systemic issues. Disney’s muted marketing and late ticket sales signaled a lack of confidence, further eroding audience interest.

A Minecraft Movie, by contrast, tapped into a pre-existing fanbase without overhauling its source material. Its simple narrative—adventurers navigating a blocky universe—required no cultural debate, and its PG humor appealed to families. Warner Bros.’ aggressive marketing, including billboards and early ticket sales, contrasted with Disney’s reticence. The Hollywood Reporter noted Minecraft’s ability to “draw audiences seeking fun,” while Snow White was “dogged by headlines.” The timing of Minecraft’s release, alongside other new films like The King of Kings, further squeezed Snow White’s theater count, as exhibitors prioritized profitable titles.

What’s Next for Disney, Zegler, and the Box Office?

The Snow White debacle has left Disney reeling. Entertainment Weekly reported the studio’s pause on Tangled, suggesting a reevaluation of its remake formula. Upcoming projects like Lilo & Stitch and Moana face heightened scrutiny, with analysts urging Disney to prioritize original storytelling. Zegler, despite critical praise for her performance, faces career challenges. Her upcoming role as Eva Perón in a West End Evita production offers a chance to pivot to theater, but ScreenRant warned that repeated box office flops could limit her blockbuster prospects. Gadot, set for Fast X: Part 2 (2026), remains a polarizing figure but is less tethered to Snow White’s failure.

A Minecraft Movie’s success has sparked talk of a sequel, with Forbes speculating on Jack Black’s return. Its triumph underscores the power of fan-driven IP when executed with broad appeal. For Disney, the lesson is clear: nostalgia alone can’t sustain a $270 million gamble. As Snow White fades into obscurity, its theatrical run a footnote in Disney’s storied history, A Minecraft Movie builds a legacy of its own—one block at a time.