Disney's live-action remake of "Snow White," which debuted in theaters on March 21, 2025, has created a buzz that mixes excitement with controversy. Starring Rachel Zegler as the titular character and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, this new adaptation of the beloved 1937 classic aims to modernize the fairy tale by focusing on empowerment rather than romance.
The film ventures into uncharted territory by not only casting Zegler, who is of Colombian descent, in the lead role but also updating Snow White’s storyline. Instead of focusing on her desire for love, the film presents her as a princess wishing to be a fair and just leader, embodying the traits her parents hoped she would carry on. In the enchanting opening song, "Waiting on a Wish," written by the Oscar-winning duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, Snow White expresses her ambition to help the people of her kingdom rather than just longing for a prince.
In this iteration, the narrative sees a significant shift from the original plot points many might recall. Rather than simply escaping her evil stepmother, Snow White, pressed into servitude, is motivated by injustice and a longing to improve her realm. Her new companion, Jonathan, played by Andrew Burnap, is not a traditional prince but a bandit who helps inspire her to take charge of her destiny.
Despite the fresh arcs and songs, the film has not been free from scrutiny. When Zegler was announced for the role in 2021, backlash ensued regarding her ethnic background, which diverged from the character’s original depiction of "the fairest of them all." Many critics drew parallels between the outrage against her casting and similar reactions to Halle Bailey’s role as Ariel in the upcoming "The Little Mermaid." Brandy, the 1997 Cinderella, advised Zegler, saying, "You’re not taking on this role to fit the mold of the critics," acknowledging the significance of representation in Disney films.
As if the casting struggles weren't enough, the portrayal of the seven dwarfs in this adaptation has also sparked discussion. The production chose to use CGI to create the dwarfs, drawing criticism from actor Peter Dinklage, who reminded audiences that while progressive choices were made in casting Zegler, perpetuating stereotypes with the dwarfs was backward. Disney responded to concerns by indicating they would take steps to portray the dwarfs differently than in the original film and consulted with members of the dwarfism community.
In examining how the film talks about issues like equity and leadership, Snow White also confronts her past in this new adaptation. The backstory reveals that her mother has died and her father has vanished after going to war, leaving her under her stepmother's oppressive reign. This narrative shift further emphasizes Snow White's character, as she gradually learns to stand up for herself and her people.
Jake Small, a critic from The Washington Post, noted that the film eliminates some of the outdated themes of the original storytelling, instead turning the lessons about beauty and fairness on their heads. He explained, "It transforms the meaning of 'fairest' into a reflection of kindness and empathy rather than just physical beauty—a necessary update for today’s audiences." This change reflects broader social discussions surrounding portrayals of women in media and the expectations of young girls.
Director Marc Webb, known for his work on "500 Days of Summer," faced the challenge of balancing moments of humor and joy with the preservation of darker elements, such as the Evil Queen's formidable magical powers. The story includes a more comprehensive character arc for the Queen, showcasing how her beauty leads to her own wickedness and manipulation.
Ultimately, Disney's "Snow White" aims to resonate with contemporary audiences while still retaining the enchantment that the original story brought to generations. Although the film's reception remains mixed with chatter surrounding socio-political themes, the critical consensus appears to acknowledge Zegler’s remain the film's heart. One critic suggested that audiences, particularly young girls, might still find inspiration in Snow White's transformed journey.
On the eve of its release, excitement mounteds among fans, but whether this latest Disney project will leave a lasting impression like its predecessors remains to be seen. As one young viewer, who anxiously awaited the contemporary retelling, put it, "I can’t wait to see Snow White find her voice and lead her people!" Only time will tell if this adaptation will help reshape the definition of a true princess in the hearts and minds of a new generation.
