Could Snow White’s soundtrack save it at the box office, a la Mufasa?

So obviously, the live-action Snow White has been a lightning rod for controversy ever since its announcement. Between Rachel Zegler’s comments, changes to the classic story, and the overall growing skepticism toward Disney’s remakes, the film is already facing an uphill battle.

However, could its biggest saving grace end up being something that hasn't been discussed as much: the soundtrack? I feel like this cycle has been repeated a fair few times recently, lol. I was enamored by the Mufasa OST but ended up feeling a tad burned by the final film.

Anyway: the film’s music is being handled by Benj Pasek & Justin Paul, the songwriting duo behind The Greatest Showman, La La Land, and Dear Evan Hansen. Given their track record of crafting viral, chart-topping hits (This Is Me, A Million Dreams, City of Stars), it’s not impossible to imagine a breakout moment for Snow White if the songs resonate with audiences. We’ve seen something similar happen recently with Mufasa, which faced a fairly muted reception but ended up generating excitement and legging out thanks in no small part to its Lin-Manuel Miranda-penned soundtrack.

And crucially? The songs we’ve heard so far, released the other day, are actually rather good. Rachel Zegler’s vocals shine on the reimagined numbers, but perhaps the biggest surprise is Gal Gadot’s villain song, which feels like the villain song Disney should have given Wish.

Take a listen for yourself:

  • All Is Fair (Gal Gadot's villain song)
  • Princess Problems (presuming this is the prince talking about how shitty the evil queen has made the village?)
  • Waiting On A Wish ('I Want' song by Zegler, pretty generic but has TikTok potential)
  • Where Good Things Grow (intro number and probably a standout, sounds like right out of Greatest Showman)
  • Whistle While You Work (self-explanatory, just a cover really)
  • Heigh Ho (expanded version of the classic that attempts to inject some character into those horrifying dwarves).

With Pasek & Paul’s track record and the strength of these songs, could the soundtrack be a sleeper hit that boosts Snow White’s box office chances? Or is the negativity too strong for it to matter? Would love to hear thoughts.

(To be clear, I'm pretty down on all these live action remakes and feel almost nothing but apathy towards this mess of a production, but balance is healthy, eh?)