TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Disney's newest reimagining of a beloved classic has enchanted moviegoers across the globe as "Snow White" (白雪公主) dominates box office charts in multiple markets. The lavish live-action adaptation, which made its Taiwan debut last Thursday (March 20), has quickly established its commercial appeal by generating NT$10.62 million (approximately US$322,000) in just four days of screenings. This impressive performance secured the film's position at the summit of Taiwan's first-week box office rankings, suggesting strong audience interest despite ongoing debates about the film's contemporary approach to the fairy tale.
The film's commercial triumph extends well beyond Taiwan's borders, with particularly robust performance in North America where it commanded the weekend box office with US$43 million (approximately NT$1.42 billion) in ticket sales. This strong domestic showing has helped propel the film's worldwide revenue to approximately US$87.3 million (around NT$2.88 billion) in its opening days. Taiwanese audiences currently have the option to experience the fairy tale adaptation in either Chinese-dubbed or original English-language versions, with screenings available at theaters throughout the island.
At the center of this reimagined classic stands Rachel Zegler, the 23-year-old Golden Globe recipient who brings Snow White to life with a fresh interpretation. Zegler, whose casting initially sparked controversy due to her Colombian heritage representing a departure from traditional portrayals, has addressed the film's narrative adaptations through press interviews. She highlighted how the live-action version creates a meaningful backstory for her character's iconic name: "She survived a snowstorm as a baby, leading the King and Queen to name her Snow White as a reminder of her strong character," Zegler explained, underscoring the film's emphasis on inner resilience rather than merely physical appearance.
Critical reception has particularly celebrated Zegler's musical contributions to the film, with viewers noting her exceptional ability to infuse emotional depth into each musical number. Reviewers have commented on how her vocal performances effectively communicate Snow White's complex emotional journey — from moments of profound heartbreak and vulnerability to expressions of courage, self-assurance, and compassion. The film's thematic focus was articulated by producer Marc Platt, who described the protagonist's defining characteristic in contemporary terms: "Snow White's superpower is her kindness, an important theme, and idea in our world today, which imbues her with inner beauty and leadership," highlighting the production's effort to modernize the classic tale's moral center.
