This weekend, Jason Statham‘s new action film, “A Working Man,” has clinched the top spot at the box office, overtaking Disney’s latest venture, “Snow White,” starring Rachel Zegler. Directed by David Ayer and featuring stars like David Harbour and Michael Peña, “A Working Man” has made a remarkable debut, raking in $5.6 million on its first day, which includes $1.1 million from Thursday previews. The movie is projected to earn approximately $15 million by the weekend’s end, a significant achievement for the team, collaborating for the second time after the success of “The Beekeeper” in 2024.
“A Working Man” is based on the novel “Levon’s Trade” by Chuck Dixon, focusing on Levon Cade, a former commando turned construction worker in Chicago. Portrayed by Statham, Cade is on a quest to rescue his boss’s teenage daughter, leading to the uncovering of a dark conspiracy involving corrupt government officials and human trafficking. This gritty storyline has sparked talks of potential sequels, with Ayer expressing interest in expanding the franchise. Reflecting on the character’s appeal, Ayer acknowledged the potential for future films, saying, “There’s definitely some unresolved things in the story, and it’s perfectly teed up for a sequel.”
Contrastingly, “Snow White” starring Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, while hitting a milestone by surpassing $100 million at the global box office, is facing challenges. Originally anticipated to generate an additional $20 million, the film is now projected to bring in around $14 million over the weekend. Despite love from audiences manifesting in a 73% score on Rotten Tomatoes, critics have been less favorable, assigning a “rotten” rating of 41%.
The film’s reception has been complicated from the outset, particularly due to the casting decisions. Rachel Zegler’s portrayal of Snow White sparked discussions over her Latina heritage, while Gadot has faced scrutiny related to her political stance and on-set dynamics. These controversies may have influenced the film’s reception, further impacting its performance despite garnering some audience approval.
Both movies continue to vie for audience attention in theaters, but “A Working Man,” with its compelling narrative and intense action, currently holds the box office spotlight. In comparison, Rachel Zegler’s “Snow White,” although not resonating with critics, has found a degree of appreciation among general audiences. As Disney aims to recuperate its hefty investment, the future endeavors and marketing strategies will be pivotal in determining the film’s long-term success.
Looking forward, the industry anticipates how these films will evolve over time. “A Working Man” has established a promising start, indicating potential franchise growth, while the challenges faced by “Snow White” raise questions about Disney’s adaptation strategy and audience expectations. As audiences continue to engage with these narratives, their impact on upcoming box office charts remains an exciting facet to watch.
