A new report has indicated the massive budget forSnow Whitemakes the film one of the most expensive live-action Disney adaptations of all time. TheupcomingSnow Whitelive-action remakestars Rachel Zegler as the titular character, offering a new take on the classic fairy tale story, and one of Disney’s first animated films. The movie has been plagued with controversy and setbacks, including criticism over Zegler’s casting, her negative comments about the original, the inclusion of the Seven Dwarfs, and the release date getting delayed by a full year amid the 2023 Hollywood strikes.
Now,Varietyreportsthe budget ofSnow Whiteis sitting at $240 million, making it the third-most expensive Disney live-action adaptation of all time. However, there have been conflicting reports about the actual number, withForbesclaiming the budget is actually as high as $269.4 million. If the latter number is correct, then it would make it the most expensive Disney live-action remake of all time, surpassing 2023’sThe Little Mermaid’s budget of $250 million and 2019’sThe Lion King’s budget of $260 million. While the latter’s live-action status is somewhat debated, the upcoming film still beats out both budgets.
What Snow White’s Gargantuan Budget Means For The Live-Action Adaptation
The Film Needs To Be A Massive Box Office Success
Both budgetary reports emphasize how much the film’s cost has ballooned throughout production. While filming began in March 2022 and wrapped by July, additional filming took place in June 2024. Thecast ofSnow Whitewas also altered as well, withthe Dwarfs being re-worked into CGIfollowing controversies surrounding the potential casting of real actors with dwarfism in the roles. This in particular likely accounts for much of the budget, since the seven characters are highly important to the overall story.
Disney’s Snow White Trailer Highlights The Biggest Problem With Rachel Zegler’s Live-Action Remake
Disney’s latest trailer for its 2025 Snow White live-action remake only highlights the movie’s biggest problem and upcoming challenges.
No matter the exact cost of the movie, though, both numbers signal the remakeneeds to become a huge box office success to earn a profit. Since break even points are typically calculated by doubling the budget to account for ad costs and theater sales cuts,Snow Whiteneeds as little as $480 million and as high as $538.8 million at the box office to not lose any money. It will require even higher numbers to make a profit, which could be disappointing if it’s not able to crack $600 million by the end of its theatrical run.
Our Take On Snow White’s Huge Budget
It’s Unclear If The Movie Will Make A Profit
Disney’s last live-action adaptation,The Little Mermaid, managed to earn $569.6 million at the box office, something that, if replicated bySnow White, would guarantee the film’s profit. However, out ofevery upcoming Disney live-action remake, the Zegler-led film has had a myriad of controversies surrounding it since the very beginning. While this doesn’t necessarily reflect how the film will play out in theaters, its history would make it unsurprising if the movie didn’t manage to make a profit.
Snow White
Cast
A live-action adaptation of the classic fairy tale. The film follows Snow White as she escapes into the forest and seeks refuge with seven dwarfs to elude her jealous stepmother, the wicked Queen, who is threatened by Snow White’s surpassing beauty.
