Disney’s live-action adaptation of its beloved fairy tale, Snow White, is set to hit theaters on March 21, 2025, after a tumultuous promotional period filled with controversy. The movie, which stars Rachel Zegler as the titular character and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, has faced accusations of being "woke" and has become the focal point of cultural debates surrounding race, gender representation, and the integrity of classic stories.
The original Snow White, popularized by Disney’s iconic 1937 animated film, has a storied history, but the live-action remake seeks to modernize many elements, which has not sat well with every fan. The backlash intensified when Zegler, who is of Latina-Polish descent, was cast in the lead role, prompting some critics to question whether a character described as having "skin as white as snow" should be portrayed by a woman of color. This perspective has been notably amplified on social media, where terms like "whitewashing" have circulated, despite Zegler’s talent and authenticity as an actress.
The film's marketing strategy has been carefully curated. Interestingly, Disney barred independent press from red carpet interviews during the March 15 premiere to maintain tighter control over the messaging surrounding the film. This decision highlights the studio's awareness of the ongoing criticism, leading to speculation about how this film may perform at the box office.
Industry predictions suggest that Snow White could open between $45 million and $70 million domestically, which could spark a much-needed revival at the box office after a string of underperforming weekends in 2025, leaving the overall revenue down by five percent compared to last year. The projected figures, despite the controversy, show promise as the film has access to every one of the 400 IMAX screens across the country, a critical factor in bringing in ticket sales.
Audiences have expressed strong interest ahead of the release, particularly among family demographics, with advance ticket presales reaching around $5 million. Comparatively, Disney’s previous live-action remakes had significant openings: 2017's Beauty and the Beast debuted at $174.6 million, while Cinderella opened at $67.9 million in 2015. In contrast, the updated Snow White appears to tread cautiously, avoiding riskier promotional strategies in light of its previous criticisms, including significant worries about the reception from conservative factions.
Despite the backlash, there are bright spots on the horizon for Snow White. Early reviews have begun to circulate, with audiences praising Zegler for her performance. Katcy Stephan from Variety remarked, "Rachel Zegler is a shining supernova in #SnowWhite, beautifully embodying the graceful, gentle nature of the OG Disney princess." The perspective is emerging that while the film adapts the story, it successfully honors its essence through fresh musical numbers composed by Justin Paul and Benj Pasek, creating a blend of nostalgia and innovation as noted by a growing number of critics.
Amidst this backdrop of cultural contention, Zegler has also gained attention for her outspoken views on social issues, particularly concerning immigration policies associated with former President Donald Trump. In fact, these statements have added layers of complexity in how her character and personal narrative might be received in the current socio-political landscape. Zegler has voiced that Snow White "was not going to be saved by the prince," indicating a significant thematic divergence from original interpretations of fairy tales.
Gadot, meanwhile, who has been supportive of Israel amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, has adopted a different narrative. While both actresses have maintained a professional relationship, their diverging political beliefs have nonetheless fueled public speculation. Their absence from raising discourse on the red carpet speaks volumes about the careful navigation of potentially sensitive topics associated with this major Disney release.
As the premiere approaches, audiences remain curious. Can the film redeem Disney's 2025 box office trajectory, and what might its critical reception mean for future adaptations of timeless classics? Christopher Rates It commented, "#SnowWhite is not only one of Disney's best live-action remakes in years, but it also recaptures the magic of the 1937 movie," suggesting that despite the surrounding controversies, there still lies a chance for reconciliation between legacy and re-imagination.
To this end, Disney is proceeding cautiously with its approach, scaling back on promotional events as they prepare for the film's release. Their strategy, influenced by recent online trends and cultural debates, underpins a significant moment not just for the company but for how tales traditionally narrated may evolve or fracture amidst changing times. Snow White's official release date is just days away, and audiences are preparing to see if Disney's newest animation-to-live-action transformation can breathe new life into a story that has captivated generations.
