A pre-premiere screening of Disney's new film "Snow White" took place on March 15, 2025, at the El Capitan theater in Los Angeles, just days before its official worldwide release set for March 21. Early reactions from critics and viewers have been markedly positive, with many praising the film as one of Disney's best remakes to date.
Critics took to social media to share their impressions, calling the film touching and full of heart. The musical numbers received special attention, and Rachel Zegler, who plays the lead role of Snow White, found herself at the center of these accolades. Reviewers described her as the film's main star, commending her acting abilities and vocal performances, with some even declaring her to be the ideal Disney princess.
"Rachel Zegler is a sparkling supernova star in the film ‘Snow White,’ beautifully capturing the delicate, tender nature of the Disney princess," wrote Ketsi Stefan for Variety. "This film is a visual feast with stunning new musical numbers and, of course, dozens of charming animated animals. The script gives the main character new depth through her strong desire to become the leader she could be. And the love story is as sweet as apple pie."
Despite the praise, skepticism surrounds the legitimacy of these positive reviews. After years of controversies surrounding the film, including its casting and storyline adjustments, many viewers are questioning whether critics are being honest about the film. Initial backlash came from the selection of Zegler as Snow White, which some found inappropriate, considering the original character's traits.
Some segments of the public, particularly online critics, expressed doubt about the sincerity of praise directed toward the film, suspecting it might have been influenced by marketing strategies eager to reshape Disney's image after the backlash from previous remakes. Some users claimed, "It’s hard not to see echoes of past failures masked as praise and enthusiasm for ‘Disney magic’ like we saw with ‘Enchanted,’ which ended up being underwhelming."
On the other hand, the film did manage to garner attention for its improvements. Critics have hailed the original music and visual aesthetics as remarkable, with many saying it evokes the magic of Disney's 1937 animated classic. FilmHounds editor Paul Klein shared, "I might regret saying this, but ‘Snow White’ turned out to be quite solid. I really enjoyed the musical numbers, especially the opener and the Queen’s performance. Zegler is excellent in the lead role, though the CGI gnomes were less impressive than hoped for."
The lead roles are played by Zegler and Gal Gadot, who portrays the Evil Queen. The two women, once surrounded by controversy due to their public personas, posed together for photographs during the premiere, defying online divisions and underlining the challenges the film faces due to external perceptions. Zegler has spoken openly about her interpretation of the character, particularly addressing the need for Snow White to be depicted as more than just her relationship with the prince.
"This is not the 1937 version of Snow White; she won’t be saved by the prince. She aspires to be a leader and knows she can achieve it," Zegler asserted, reflecting on how the narrative has evolved to highlight themes of feminism and self-empowerment. Critics have had mixed opinions on this approach. While some praise the shift away from focusing heavily on romance, others have criticized Zegler and questioned her stance against traditional interpretations.
Comments on social media have reflected this polarization, with users expressing everything from disappointment to approval with respect to the film’s portrayal of known characters. One of the biggest critiques centered around the animated representation of the dwarfs, which has stoked debates about representation and inclusivity.
Peter Dinklage, known for his Emmy-winning role on Game of Thrones, condemned the film's decision to use CGI instead of casting actors with dwarfism. Dinklage criticized Disney for attempting to represent inclusivity through visual effects, which he argues perpetuates stereotypes instead of providing tangible opportunities. "You can’t introduce characters like this without actual dwarf actors portraying them," he stated.
Conversely, some have praised Disney for seeking to revamp and include diverse casting choices. Rachel Zegler, who has been vocal about representation and her own Colombian heritage, responded to backlash, encouraging individuals to embrace the idea of diverse princesses, stating her identity contributes to Snow White’s story being relatable to different cultural backgrounds.
The negative attention surrounding the film has not deterred its early viewership. The positive reception from the pre-premiere screenings highlights the film's potential to captivate audiences, irrespective of existing controversies or skepticism about its production. Many viewers expressed their surprise at how affectionate they felt toward the film and its cast, with one blogger commenting, "The biggest surprise of 2025 is how this controversial and unpopular movie turned out to be worthy of adaptation. ‘Snow White’ not only emerges as one of Disney's best remakes, but it also revitalizes the magic of the 1937 film."
Regardless of these mixed reactions, Disney seems ready to face any challenges these discussions may bring. With the premiere just around the corner, Snow White stands as both another attempt to reimagine beloved classics and as the focal point of the love and scorn often attributed to Disney’s more ambitious projects.
Only time will tell how audiences will respond as the film releases on March 21, 2025, and whether the re-imagined narrative can find its place among Disney's storied legacy of animated masterpieces.
