Disneys Snow White remake on pace to lose $115 million amid Rachel Zegler controversy

Disney’s live-action remake of “Snow White” — which has been mired in controversy over star Rachel Zegler’s comments deriding Israel, Donald Trump, and even the Mouse House — is expected to lose approximately $115 million, according to a report.The movie, which premiered on March 21, earned just $14.2 million domestically in its second weekend — a drop of 66% — putting its total worldwide gross of $143.1 million, distribution sources told Deadline.Detailed forecasts suggest the film will generate approximately $295 million in total revenues, including $101 million from global theatrical rentals, $62 million from home entertainment sales, $130 million from streaming and television rights and an additional $2 million from merchandise.That will fall far short of $410 million it cost to make the film.The inflated costs included $270 million for production alone, largely driven up by production delays caused by industry strikes and a fire that erupted on the set of the film in the UK.Additionally, promotional expenses, residual payments and miscellaneous costs contributed another $140 million, sources said.Zegler, who is of Colombian and Polish descent, has been at the forefront of the backlash, both over Disney casting her to play the “fairest of them all” and for a series of inflammatory comments.After the presidential election last November, she posted on X: “F–k Donald Trump” and “May Trump supporters and Trump voters and Trump himself never know peace.”Those comments came three months after she waded into the Israel-Gaza war by ending a post on X by writing, “and always remember, free palestine” — a sentiment that did not sit well with her “Snow White” co-star Gal Gadot.

The Israeli actress had served in the IDF.Zegler also ripped Disney during a promotional interview for the movie, referring to the animated classic as outdated and taking issue with its romantic storyline.“The original cartoon came out in 1937 and very evi...