Disney’s new live-action remake of "Snow White," set to be released in 2025, has sparked significant controversy and mixed reactions. The film, which aims to update the classic 1937 animated version, has been criticized for straying too far from the original story and spirit.
Lead actress Rachel Zegler has made headlines for her comments about the original film. In a 2022 interview, she described the love story in the original as outdated and problematic, saying it focused on a prince who stalks Snow White. She claimed that the new film shifts away from romance, focusing instead on Snow White’s journey to find her true self. This perspective has not resonated well with many fans of the beloved classic.
Zegler’s casting as Snow White, given her Colombian heritage, also raised eyebrows. Critics questioned the choice, drawing parallels to the debate over Halle Bailey’s casting as Ariel in the live-action "Little Mermaid." While some praised the move towards inclusivity, others felt it strayed too far from the character’s traditional depiction.
The new film’s portrayal of Snow White’s love interest has also changed dramatically. The character, named Jonathan, is described as an irreverent peasant leading a group of misfits. This contrasts sharply with the original’s charming prince, and some viewers feel it undermines the fairy tale aspect of the story.
Musically, the film opts for modern pop songs rather than the classic, operatic style of the original. Critics have described the new tracks as generic and lacking the magic that defined the 1937 version.
One of the most controversial decisions was the portrayal of the seven dwarfs. Instead of casting actors with dwarfism, Disney chose to use CGI characters. This decision followed criticism from actor Peter Dinklage, who called the original story outdated. However, some in the dwarfism community disagreed, arguing that the dwarfs are a part of the fairy tale and should be portrayed by real actors.
The backlash against the film has been swift, particularly on social media platforms like TikTok. Many young viewers expressed their disappointment, questioning why Zegler would take on a role she openly criticized. The film, which had a budget of $250 million, fell short of expectations at the box office, earning $43 million during its opening weekend.
Industry insiders have also voiced their frustrations. Jonah Platt, son of the film’s producer, criticized Zegler for prioritizing her personal views over the film’s success, suggesting that her comments could harm the project and the people involved in it.
As the release date approaches, it seems clear that Disney’s "Snow White" is facing an uphill battle to win over audiences. While the original film remains a cherished classic, this new version appears to be struggling to find its footing in a changing cultural landscape.