The live-action film 'Snow White,' starring a Latin actress, has failed at the box office, dropping to the number one spot in North America in its second week.
According to the Associated Press and Hollywood media Variety, citing Comscore data and industry estimates, 'Snow White' recorded ticket sales of $14.2 million (approximately 20.9 billion won) over the weekend (28th-30th), falling to second place at the box office.
'Snow White' saw a drastic decline of 66% in its earnings in the second weekend compared to the first.
The top spot at the North American box office was taken by action star Jason Statham's 'A Working Man', which grossed $15.2 million in its opening weekend.
'Snow White', a blockbuster with a production cost exceeding $200 million (approximately 367.8 billion won), opened on the 21st in 4,200 theaters in North America, earning only $66.8 million (approximately 98.3 billion won) over ten days. Total global earnings, including regions outside of North America, stand at approximately $143.1 million (approximately 210.5 billion won).
The film stars American actress RAY Ziegler, who has a Colombian mother, in the role of Snow White, and faced public backlash even before its release.
Criticism arose over the casting of Ziegler, a Latin actress, in the role of Snow White, who is depicted as having snow-white skin in the original story. Some Disney fans mocked her dark skin, calling her 'Black Snow White.' In response, Ziegler stated on her social media, 'I'm not going to bleach my skin for that role.'
Despite the title being 'Snow White,' the producers faced criticism for excessive political correctness in casting a Latin actress that does not align with the original character's description.
Ziegler also attracted backlash from original fans for mentioning that the animated film's story involves Snow White falling in love with a man who stalks her, calling it 'strange.'
In November of last year, shortly after Donald Trump was elected President of the United States, Ziegler posted a graphic message on Instagram directed at Trump and his supporters, which drew criticism.
American media noted that in order for 'Snow White' to recoup its production costs, it needs to have sustained box office success, but another family-targeted film, 'Minecraft Movie,' is set to be released next week, making it difficult for 'Snow White' to reclaim the top position.