Disney’s ‘Snow White’ live action suffers $170M loss almost a year after premiere

The Walt Disney Company’s live-action remake of Snow White has emerged as one of the studio’s most significant financial setbacks in recent years, with industry estimates in 2026 placing losses at roughly $170 million following its theatrical run.

Financial data published by Forbes and cited across multiple outlets show the film carried a production cost of approximately $336.5 million. Because the movie was filmed in the United Kingdom, local disclosure regulations required the studio’s subsidiary, Hidden Heart Productions, to reveal expenditures that are typically not made public for U.S.-based productions.

The U.K. government reimbursed about $64.9 million of the film’s costs, reducing Disney’s net production spending to an estimated $271.6 million. However, box office revenues fell short of expectations. The film earned roughly $205.7 million worldwide, according to reported figures.

Industry-standard revenue splits further eroded returns. Analysts noted that theaters generally retain close to half of ticket sales, leaving Disney with about $102.9 million in studio revenue. Based on these calculations, trade observers estimated losses approaching $168 million to $170 million, excluding global marketing and promotional expenses.

The performance placed Snow White among the lowest-grossing titles in Disney’s modern slate of live-action remakes. Box office tracking reports previously showed the film opened below projections in 2025, with global debut figures of about $87.3 million.

Beyond financial challenges, the production faced a prolonged cycle of controversies that began years before release. Public debate surrounded creative decisions, including Disney’s handling of the seven dwarfs, which were ultimately rendered as computer-animated characters after earlier plans drew criticism.

Actor Peter Dinklage was among prominent voices who questioned the remake’s direction, while other commentators criticized the studio’s reliance on computer-generated characters instead of casting performers with dwarfism.

The film also became entangled in broader cultural disputes. Casting choices, story revisions, and online reactions generated polarized responses across political lines. Lead actress Rachel Zegler drew attention for remarks about the 1937 animated original and for political posts on social media, while Gal Gadot’s involvement prompted separate controversies linked to geopolitical tensions and calls for boycotts in some markets.

Despite the disputes, audience polling at the time indicated mixed reception rather than outright rejection. Earlier tracking data showed the film received a B+ CinemaScore, a comparatively modest grade for a Disney live-action release, though younger viewers and female audiences rated it more favorably.

The production was also affected by external disruptions that inflated costs. Industry reports cited pandemic-era protocols, labor strikes, and a fire that damaged a set during filming, contributing to the ballooning budget.

While the theatrical losses are substantial, analysts noted that long-term revenue streams — including video-on-demand, streaming, television licensing, and merchandising — could partially offset deficits over time.

The outcome contrasts with the studio’s stronger performance on other live-action adaptations, underscoring the financial risks associated with high-budget remakes of established intellectual properties.