The live-action adaptation of Disney's classic Snow White has stirred significant controversy since its release in late March 2025. This latest version, which reimagines the beloved 1937 animated film, has faced backlash for its casting choices and altered storyline, reflecting ongoing cultural tensions in the United States.
Originally based on the Grimm Brothers' fairy tale, the story of Snow White features a young princess who is poisoned by her stepmother, the evil queen, and is ultimately revived by a prince's kiss. However, the new film diverges sharply from this traditional narrative, focusing instead on a confrontation between Snow White, played by Rachel Zegler, and the queen, portrayed by Gal Gadot. This shift has led many fans to express disappointment, as the romance central to the original story has been downplayed.
Rachel Zegler, who has a Polish father and a Colombian mother, was cast in the titular role. This casting choice sparked debate even before the film's release, with critics questioning the necessity of altering the character's ethnic background from the original depiction, which was often associated with a fair-skinned princess. In the new version, Snow White's origin story has been changed to state that she was born on a snowy day, a shift that some argue feels forced and detracts from the character's established identity.
As the film unfolds, audiences witness a Snow White who is not merely a damsel in distress waiting for rescue. Instead, she is portrayed as an independent woman who actively seeks to confront and defeat the evil queen. This portrayal has been both praised and criticized; while some viewers appreciate the empowerment of the character, others lament the loss of the romantic elements that defined the original tale.
The film also introduces a new character, Jonathan, the leader of a group of huntsmen. He takes on a role that is reminiscent of the traditional prince, yet their relationship is more about friendship than romance. Critics have pointed out that this departure from the classic fairy tale narrative leaves audiences without the expected romantic climax, such as the iconic kiss that awakens Snow White.
The response to the film has been mixed, with some praising its modern take on gender roles and others decrying it as a departure from the fairy tale's essence. The Wall Street Journal noted that the remake "steps on various cultural landmines," highlighting the contentious nature of its themes and the backlash against its liberal values.
In its opening weekend, the film earned approximately $43 million (about 6.5 billion yen) in the United States and Canada, a figure that fell short of expectations. This underperformance has been attributed, in part, to the polarized reception of its themes and the ongoing cultural debates surrounding diversity and representation in media.
Disney's decision to emphasize diversity in casting and storytelling aligns with a broader trend in Hollywood, where traditional narratives are being reexamined and adapted to reflect contemporary societal values. However, this approach has also sparked backlash from audiences who feel that these changes disrupt the integrity of beloved classics.
As discussions around the film continue, it remains clear that Disney's Snow White is more than just a retelling of a fairy tale; it is a reflection of the cultural conversations happening in America today. The film's portrayal of Snow White as a proactive character may resonate with some viewers, while others may feel that it strays too far from the original story.
In the end, the live-action Snow White serves as a litmus test for how audiences are grappling with issues of representation and identity in storytelling. As the film navigates these complex themes, it raises important questions about the balance between honoring tradition and embracing change in the ever-evolving landscape of cinema.
