Disney has been making live-action remakes of its animated classics for over 30 years, and the House of Mouse has now set its sights on adapting Walt Disney’s first animated movie, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The original film, released in 1937, revolutionized animation and laid the foundation for Disney’s future success. However, the new live-action remake of Snow White takes some liberties with the original story, incorporating familiar elements while deviating from the first version of the movie. Actress Rachel Zegler, who plays Snow White, has pointed out some dated aspects of the original film, sparking backlash among fans. Despite this controversy, early reviews of the remake have been positive, particularly praising Zegler’s performance as the title character.
Snow White is not yet available for streaming, as it is too large of a movie to debut online immediately. The film is expected to open at the box office with approximately $50 million, potentially surpassing that amount if audiences respond favorably. The high cost of production, estimated between $240 million and $269.4 million, also deters Disney from releasing the film on streaming platforms right away, as the studio aims to recoup its investment through theatrical releases. This approach aligns with Disney’s strategy to prioritize theatrical profits over immediate streaming availability, leading to fewer original movies on Disney+.
Contrary to the trend of shortening the window between a film’s theatrical release and streaming premiere, Disney seems to be extending this period for its successful films. For example, Moana 2 took almost three-and-a-half months to arrive on Disney+. This delay suggests that Snow White may follow a similar timeline before becoming available for streaming. In the event that Snow White underperforms at the box office, the streaming premiere date could be moved up. However, given the current state of the box office and the film’s release schedule, a potential late June or early July premiere on Disney+ seems probable.
Ultimately, Snow White’s availability for streaming remains uncertain, with the film set to have a theatrical release before potentially becoming accessible online. While the remake has faced criticism for its deviations from the original Disney film and dated aspects, positive reviews and praise for Zegler’s performance offer hope for its success at the box office. As Disney continues its tradition of adapting animated classics into live-action remakes, Snow White emerges as a highly anticipated addition to the studio’s repertoire, setting the stage for a new generation of audiences to experience this iconic tale.
