Disney’s live-action adaptation of Snow White is set to premiere in March 2025, but the journey to its release has been anything but smooth. As the studio builds anticipation for its reimagining of the iconic fairy tale, controversy has cast a long shadow over the production, raising questions about the balance between honoring tradition and embracing modern storytelling.
Directed by The Amazing Spider-Man’s Marc Webb, the project has sparked debates since its announcement. After delays pushed back the timeline, Disney finally unveiled a glimpse of Rachel Zegler in the titular role, accompanied by a CGI reimagining of the seven dwarfs.
Upon the movie’s announcement, Game of Thrones star Peter Dinklage publicly questioned Disney’s decision to cast Zegler, a Latina actress, while “telling a ‘backward story about seven dwarfs living in a cave together.’” In response, Disney addressed the controversy, stating: “To avoid reinforcing stereotypes from the original animated film, we are taking a different approach with these seven characters and have been consulting with members of the dwarfism community,” according to Good Morning America.
Zegler’s casting has drawn comparisons to Halle Bailey’s Ariel in 2023’s The Little Mermaid. Both actresses have challenged traditional portrayals, with Zegler and Bailey discussing the importance of representation in a Variety interview. Yet, the movie’s direction continues to divide Disney fans.
One point of contention is the updated origin story for Snow White herself. Zegler shared during an interview that the character’s name reflects her resilience, referencing a snowstorm she survived as a baby—an twist far removed from the Grimm Brothers’ depiction of “skin as white as snow.”
A recent international trailer reinforced this change, featuring Zegler’s narration: “To honor the day I was born, my father named me Snow White.” Meanwhile, viewers caught glimpses of Gal Gadot’s Evil Queen and the CGI dwarfs navigating a fantastical forest.
Adding to the film’s modern edge is a brand-new song, “Waiting on a Wish,” written by Pasek and Paul, the Oscar-winning duo behind 2016’s La La Land. But despite these innovations, the production hasn’t been free from drama. Zegler’s remarks at the 2022 D23 Expo stirred backlash when she described the prince as a “stalker” and said the story would prioritize Snow White’s “leadership and strength” over romance, polarizing longtime fans of the classic love story.
Zegler’s outspoken activism, including her comments during the SAG-AFTRA strikes and her views on Donald Trump’s 2016 election victory, has further fueled the debate, keeping her in the public eye as the film’s release looms.
Budgetary stakes for Snow White are sky-high, with production reportedly nearing $300 million. Yet, its omission from Disney’s Q4 2024 financial disclosures, which highlighted other hits like Captain America: Brave New World and Avatar: Fire and Ash, has sparked speculation about the company’s confidence in the film.
While celebrating them being top of the 2024 box office with record-breaking hits like Inside Out 2, Deadpool & Wolverine, and Moana 2, Disney showcased what to look forward to in 2025–and referenced Snow White, at last. The press release reads:
“The Walt Disney Studios diverse and entertaining slate will feature highly anticipated releases like Captain America: Brave New World, Thunderbolts*, and The Fantastic Four: First Steps from Marvel Studios; live-action adaptations of Snow White and Lilo & Stitch; eagerly awaited sequels Freakier Friday and Zootopia 2; a new original film from Pixar in Elio; new installments from fan-favorite franchises Avatar: Fire and Ash, TRON: Ares, and Predator: Badlands.”
As a remake of the 1937 classic that revolutionized animation and established Disney as a cultural powerhouse, Snow White carries the weight of an immense legacy. From Adriana Caselotti’s iconic performance to timeless songs like “Heigh-Ho” and “Someday My Prince Will Come,” the original set a gold standard that modern adaptations strive to uphold.
Now, with Rachel Zegler as Snow White, Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, and Andrew Burnap as Jonathan, along with Marc Webb at the helm, the new Snow White aims to blend nostalgia with progress. The film’s success—or failure—could redefine Disney’s approach to reimagining its animated classics.
Will this ambitious project resonate with audiences, or will it fall victim to the controversies surrounding it? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
I do not understand why everything must be “re-made.” Are the creative writers at Disney just tapped out? If this is truly the case then I do have a suggestion. You want to take original stories and change a bunch of stuff. Then change the Title! Surely you people can At Least create a Title and the under script line say, INSPIRED BY SUCH & SUCH Movie (Ex: INSPIRED by “Snow White”)
An original Title is not too much too ask. Especially if you’re changing Key components of the original movie.
To be clear. This has nothing to do with the cast you’re choosing. They are Great actors. I love them in other shows. However, I feel like you’ve run out of creative genius ideas. Maybe someone just really wants to ruin great all time favorites. To repeat, how about give the movie a title & state that is inspired by … or an adaptation of…. You’d get your point across and please many more people.
That’s Just my opinion. Until then, I will continue Not participating in spending my time or money on these “adaptations.”
Thank you for allowing me to express my opinion.
SG
Think this means the ideas they are promoting are to weak to stand on their own.
In Webster’s new Unabridged Dictionary, under “flop”, it says, “See Snow White”.
If they would say “based on ..” I would be ok. But to change the whole story and call it by the original title? No.
Come on Disney…do better or quit while you’re behind.
And same for the word “tank. “
Isnt snow white german? Why do we have to chànge national origins. Its not proving diversity its excluding it. Cultures should be respected that relate to the storey lines. This could have been an opertunity for snow whites heritage to shine. It isnt that the actress is not capable she doesnt fit the part and I think it makes people reluctant to see the film. When you do a disney remake for luve action it should be consistant or create another storey line that mirrors it without reproducing it in a way that doesn’t deferer attendance of the film.
This movie is cooked. Disney should have taken the loss of production as a write off and they could have padded their numbers for the investors. They won’t make up their costs. Even people that are interested in seeing it, most will just wait for the D+ release to watch it.
Why is it impossible for a modern generation to just create something new? Why use the name Snow White? I recall a movie called The Wiz. Why steal someone else’s tradition. Why not a white remake of Poggie and Bess?
If people want to make Diverse fairytales why don’t they pursue the fairytales of Africa or Mexico or South America and then no one would complain. Having Ziegler playing Snow White is like having Ryan Reynolds play Black Panther
Interesting point. Disney had that representation with Splash Mountain which was based on a movie in which an old black man instills morale lessons in children by telling them old folk tales from his culture. Of course a handful of critics claim the movie is “racist” so the ride had to go. Go figure.
Yet another PC “re-imagining” from Disney I won’t be supporting. The need to scrub the traditional classics and promote rediculously non-offensive storylines permeates through the whole corporation. That’s not what made Disney. Sad. I grew up watching Wonderful World of Disney and visiting Disney World. And they can’t figure out why attendance continues to decline…
This movie is set to make dumpster fires inside sinkholes look comfy.
This movie will do fine Brett Cooper is a great actress