Disney’s live-action remake of Snow White has reportedly delivered one of the studio’s biggest financial setbacks in recent years, with new filings indicating an estimated loss of around US$170 million (A$260 million).

According to a report in Forbes, production costs for the 2025 film ballooned to US$336.5 million (A$515 million), significantly higher than earlier estimates.

The figures were disclosed through UK corporate filings, as the film was produced via a British subsidiary, Hidden Heart Productions, to qualify for local tax incentives.

The UK’s Audio-Visual Expenditure Credit reimbursed Disney US$64.9 million (A$99 million), bringing net production costs down to US$271.6 million (A$416 million).

However, the film’s global box office haul of US$205.7 million fell well short of expectations.

Studios typically receive about 50% of box office takings after cinemas take their share. Based on that industry split, Disney’s return from theatrical screenings is estimated at roughly US$102.9 million, leaving a box office shortfall of approximately US$168.7 million before marketing and distribution costs are factored in.

The scale of the spending places Snow White among Disney’s most expensive productions, exceeding the budgets of titles such as Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and Guardians of the Galaxy. By comparison, 2017’s live-action Beauty and the Beast grossed more than US$1.3 billion worldwide.

The film, starring Rachel Zegler as Snow White and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, faced sustained online debate during production and release.

Criticism ranged from creative changes to the portrayal of the seven dwarfs, who were ultimately rendered as computer-generated characters, to comments made by cast members in media interviews and on social platforms.

Despite the setback, Disney has continued investing heavily in live-action adaptations. Its subsequent remake of Lilo & Stitch reportedly crossed the US$1 billion mark globally.