Disney’s upcoming live-action Snow White (2025) has been making headlines for years—and not always the kind Disney might have hoped for. With the film set to release in March 2025, the company is pulling out all the stops to breathe new life into its first-ever animated classic. However, the journey so far has been anything but smooth.
From the moment Marc Webb’s Snow White was announced, controversy seemed inevitable. After a year-long delay, Disney offered fans a sneak peek at Rachel Zegler as the titular princess, flanked by seven CGI-rendered dwarfs—replacing earlier reports of “magical creatures.” This move followed a heated debate sparked by actor Peter Dinklage, who criticized the traditional portrayal of the dwarfs. Interestingly, his comments were met with mixed reactions, with some members of the dwarfism community challenging his perspective and defending the story’s legacy.
Casting Rachel Zegler as Snow White—a bold choice akin to Halle Bailey’s casting as Ariel in The Little Mermaid (2023)—also ignited discussions. Adding fuel to the fire, Disney has reimagined Snow White’s origin story. In a Variety interview, Zegler revealed, “The king and queen decided to name her Snow White to remind her of her resilience,” referencing her survival during a snowstorm as an infant. This update diverges sharply from the Brothers Grimm original, where her name reflects her “skin as white as snow.”
An international trailer confirmed this fresh backstory, showcasing Rachel Zegler’s narration: “To honor the day I was born, my father named me Snow White.” The trailer also teases the film’s whimsical tone, featuring CGI dwarfs riding woodland creatures and a chilling glimpse of Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen. Adding to the magic, a new song titled “Waiting on a Wish,” written by duo Pasek and Paul, promises a modern musical twist.
But the road to Snow White has been fraught with challenges. Zegler’s 2022 D23 Expo comments, in which she referred to the prince as a “stalker” and championed Snow White’s focus on “leadership and strength” over “dreaming about true love,” drew sharp criticism. Her outspoken political views further polarized public opinion, ensuring the discourse surrounding the film remained anything but dull.
With a reported production budget of nearly $300 million (via Forbes), Snow White carries high expectations. Yet, the film’s absence from Disney’s Q4 2024 financial report—despite mentions of other 2025 blockbusters like Captain America: Brave New World and Avatar: Fire and Ash—was telling. Meanwhile, its marketing campaign appears subdued compared to Disney’s other high-profile releases, fueling speculation about the studio’s confidence in the project.
Arriving between Moana 2 (2024) and Mufasa: The Lion King (2024), and the live-action Lilo & Stitch (2025), Snow White faces stiff competition in a crowded slate. Whether this reimagining can reclaim the magic of Disney’s first princess—or overcome its controversies—remains uncertain.
First released in 1937, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was a groundbreaking achievement for Walt Disney. It revolutionized the animation industry and captured audiences worldwide. Produced on a $1.49 million budget, it grossed $8 million during its initial run.
The film’s iconic characters, voiced by Adriana Caselotti, Lucille La Verne, and Harry Stockwell, and timeless songs like “Heigh-Ho” and “Someday My Prince Will Come” cemented its status as a cultural phenomenon. Walt Disney even received an honorary Oscar—one standard-sized statuette and seven miniature ones—recognizing the film’s historic contribution to cinema.
As Disney prepares to reimagine this beloved classic, one thing is certain: Snow White‘s legacy—and the debates surrounding its live-action retelling—will leave a lasting mark on the company’s history.
Snow White hits theaters on March 21, 2025, starring Rachel Zegler as Snow White and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen. Directed by Marc Webb and written by Erin Cressida Wilson and Greta Gerwig, the cast also includes Andrew Burnap, Ansu Kabia, and Martin Klebba.
What do you think of this reimagined take on Disney’s iconic princess? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Blind if you can’t see this coming disaster
I will never in a million years if Rachel Ziegler is the last person on Earth watch that piece of trash movie. First of all, she looks nothing like Snow White. She is untalented, unlikable, uninspiring and unpleasant. I will never ever watch that disgust. It’s not even Snow White. They totally changed the story so I am anticipating a phenomenal flop at the box office and I will celebrate when it flops because maybe that will tank whatever is left of her measly career and teach Disney a freaking lesson
Snow Mexican
I think this movie will have a good impact on Disney legacy
Disney may not learn the lesson from this that they need to. It’s not just the hiring of unpleasant actresses on the basis of their skin color (ironic, given the source material). It’s also the endless stream of “live-action remakes” in place of original ideas.
Did we really need this live-action “Snow White”? No. Did we need a “Mufasa” live-action-that-isn’t-actually-live-action-but-is-a-Beyonce-and-Jay-Z-vanity-project origin story? Nope.
Yeah no. Not ever will I ever watch this movie. I don’t blame Disney for throwing so much into this movie for Rachel to only KILL the excitement with her disrespectful/ rude behaviors and poor speech. “The people need some kindness” my butt. Real life Rachel Zeg cannot even slightly align with the character she’s portraying. A princess of grace and kindness. Heck no.