Disney’s upcoming live-action remake of the beloved classic Snow White has sparked a whirlwind of discussion even before its release, primarily scheduled for March 2025. As the studio has historically remade its animated catalogue, the new iteration of Snow White serves to showcase a blend of nostalgia and contemporary sensibilities.
Starring Rachel Zegler as Snow White and Gal Gadot as the scheming Evil Queen, the film is directed by Marc Webb, renowned for his work on The Amazing Spider-Man. Notably, this update is poised to differ significantly from the original 1937 animated classic, which has long been regarded not only as Disney's first feature film but also as the highest-grossing animated movie of all time when adjusted for inflation.
The narrative changes begin immediately. The film opens with a storybook-like introduction, reminiscent of the original, but quickly deviates by focusing on a more fleshed-out backstory for Snow White. Instead of merely being defined by her beauty and a quest for love, as portrayed in the animated film, this new depiction presents her as a stronger character who learns to reclaim her identity and leadership, moving away from themes of dependency on a prince.
One notable change is the removal of the iconic song “Someday My Prince Will Come.” In its place is a new musical number titled “Waiting on a Wish,” which better reflects Snow White’s evolving desires to become the person her father wanted her to be. As Zegler reveals, her character "is dreaming about the leader that she knows she can be" rather than waiting for a prince to save her.
Another significant change involves the character of the prince himself, who has been replaced by a bandit named Jonathan, effectively reframing his role in the story. Played by Andrew Burnap, Jonathan is introduced not as a royal suitor but as a character who shares a mutual desire for change, stealing from the Evil Queen to help the impoverished townsfolk. This new dynamic rekindles the age-old fairytale discourse, introducing themes of class struggle and rebellion against tyranny.
Furthermore, in a bid to diversify the narrative, the film opts to present the seven dwarfs as CGI characters rather than hire actors with dwarfism, following critiques and attempts to avoid reinforcing stereotypes. These CGI portrayals have received mixed reactions, causing some critics to question the decision when fleshed-out characters are included among the human cast.
While the animated version showcased memorable moments such as the dwarfs' cheeky washing song, many of these original tunes are either omitted or altered. For instance, the joyful themes of “Whistle While You Work” and “Heigh-Ho” have been expanded upon, giving room for new lyrical content that enhances the collective storytelling experience.
The Evil Queen, bound to be an audience favorite, similarly evolves within the story. Gal Gadot’s embodiment of the character includes a new musical number, “All Is Fair,” emphasizing her darker traits while veering from the original narrative arc where she meets her demise by boulder and lightning. Instead, she faces a tense climax where her existing power is undermined by Snow White’s influence over the people, who rally against her and aid in Snow White reclaiming her kingdom.
Despite its ambitious restructuring, the film faces a storm of controversy and criticism. Rachel Zegler’s comments on the original narrative have triggered backlash from segments of the audience who feel that the remake distances itself too far from its roots. Describing the original film's storyline as presenting a prince who “literally stalks” Snow White, she highlighted her interpretation of wanting empowerment rather than romantic salvation.
Public opinion appears sharply divided, with some heralding a refreshing take on classic narratives while others deem it as catering to contemporary sensibilities at the expense of beloved elements from the original. "I feel so lucky that I got to play something that is so far from what I know and what I'm used to," Gadot expressed, hinting at the rich complexity her character brings to the film.
The remake's production has adapted to various market situations, scaling back promotional events after the negative reactions and avoiding formal scrutiny fueled by its ambitious reimagining. Marketing efforts have notably included the cancellation of a London premiere.
As the premiere date draws near, many are curious how audiences will respond to this multifaceted retelling of a tale that has long captured hearts. Will this new rendition usher in a new era for Disney, advancing its storytelling in a manner that resonates with contemporary cultural narratives? Only time will reveal if the new Snow White can enchant as its predecessor did or if it will be labeled another misstep for the renowned studio.
The forthcoming Snow White film appears less a rehash of nostalgia and more an attempt to forge a new path. Regardless of the differing opinions, it may, much like the princess herself, require bravery and conviction to carve its own identity within a canon long cherished by audiences worldwide.
