In a tumultuous week for Disney, the live-action adaptation of “Snow White” has drawn significant criticism following dismal box office performance. With worldwide earnings stagnating at just $168 million, Disney CEO Bob Iger finds himself scrambling for damage control as the film struggles to recover from a steep decline in ticket sales, especially after the recent release of the “Minecraft” movie, which has outperformed expectations.

Actress Rachel Zegler, who plays the titular role, has taken to social media to defend the film, insisting it embodies themes of empowerment and resilience. Despite her assertions that “Snow White” is “the number one movie in the world,” many critics and audiences have disagreed, leading to what Zegler describes as “toxic fandom culture.” In her latest statements, she emphasized the need to address perceived biases against the film and dismissed negative reviews as childish “review bombing.”

Zegler argued that the film’s modern take on the classic story, which omits the traditional prince character, reflects contemporary values around female empowerment. “Not every woman has to be weak,” she stated, highlighting that the narrative shift was intentional to portray a stronger, independent Snow White. However, this approach has been polarizing, with some viewing it as a departure from the beloved original.

The fallout from “Snow White” has had broader implications for Disney, prompting the company to pause several upcoming live-action remakes, including a planned adaptation of “Tangled.” This decision is seen as a response to mounting criticism regarding the company’s approach to character portrayals and storytelling.

As Disney navigates this challenging landscape, the future of its live-action adaptations remains uncertain. For now, both Iger and Zegler face the daunting task of addressing the backlash surrounding “Snow White” while trying to regain audience trust in the company’s evolving cinematic vision.