Disney's live-action adaptation of the beloved classic fairy tale, Snow White, has defied expectations by clinching the top spot at the North American box office—even in the face of harsh criticism from film reviewers. Over the film's opening weekend, it amassed an impressive estimated $87.3 million (approximately £67.5 million) globally, with nearly half of that revenue generated within North America alone.

However, the film has failed to meet initial projections, particularly given its staggering production budget that reportedly exceeds $270 million. There were high hopes for this reimagining of the iconic 1937 animated classic, but it quickly became mired in controversy even before hitting theaters.

The casting of actress Rachel Zegler, of Colombian descent, as the titular character sparked significant debate, igniting discussions around representation and cultural sensitivity. Compounding the matter were statements Zegler made regarding her pro-Palestinian stance, alongside Israeli actress Gal Gadot's comments on Israel, who portrays the Evil Queen. This backlash has made the film a focal point in the ongoing dialogue around cultural appropriation in Hollywood.

A particularly contentious issue arose over the portrayal of the dwarfs—whether they should be portrayed in live-action or through CGI. The film faced extensive scrutiny on this front, leading to even further discord among potential viewers.

Internationally, the reception has not been as strong. In mainland China, a market of over 1.4 billion people, Snow White performed poorly, failing to crack the top five box office slots and earning less than $1 million in its first three days, according to EntGroup's China Box Office reports. Entertainment industry consultant Patrick Frater speculated to the BBC that the multiple controversies surrounding the film have diminished its overall appeal, coupled with a reduction in Hollywood's popularity in Asian markets since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

As for critical reception, the film has received a disappointing score of just 44% on Rotten Tomatoes from critics, though audience reception appears to be more favorable, with a 'Popcornometer' score of 73%. Notably, reviews have been drastically polarized; The Guardian's Wendy Ide dismissed the film as "toe-curlingly terrible,” while the Hollywood Reporter’s David Rooney found it to be “mostly captivating.” BBC reviewer Nicholas Barber called it "not calamitous" but described it as "a mind-boggling mash-up" with its unsettling CGI dwarfs and mismatched tonal elements.

As Disney continues its quest to revitalize its classic franchises, Snow White highlights the complexities and challenges that come with modern retellings of traditional tales. It's clear that this beloved story remains as contentious as ever, sparking a fierce debate among audiences and critics alike. Will the film's box office success translate into long-term favor among fans? Only time will tell!