In a time of immense scrutiny and change, Disney’s latest live-action adaptation, Snow White, is stepping into a spotlight that illuminates more than just the screen. As the film prepares for its release in French theaters on March 19, 2025, it arrives amid fervent debate and controversy regarding its casting choices and representation. The film, which boasts a hefty production budget of $269 million, has found itself at the center of a cultural storm.
At the heart of this controversy is Rachel Zegler, a 23-year-old actress of Colombian and Polish descent, who plays the titular role. Critics have derisively labeled the film's direction as “wokisme,” a term used to criticize perceived excessive political correctness. The backlash began as soon as Zegler was cast, with some reacting negatively to her deviation from the traditional European representation associated with the character. In response to these criticisms, Zegler stated, “Yes, I am Snow White, no, I will not bleach my skin for the role.” This assertive stance highlighted her defiance against a narrative that some felt was wrapped in racial preconceptions.
The film’s premise has likewise undergone significant changes. Rachel Zegler has claimed that unlike the original story, in which Snow White relies on a prince, this modern retelling will not portray such traditionally romantic elements. She has indicated, “Snow White will not be saved by the prince, and she will not dream of true love,” which has sparked further debate among fans longing for the traditional elements of the beloved fairy tale.
The absence of the iconic Seven Dwarfs from the film's title has drawn even more ire. In a bid to avoid stereotypes and create a more modern narrative, Disney has replaced the dwarfs with “magical creatures” generated by computers, resembling gnomes rather than resembling actors. This decision has been criticized by many, including actor Peter Dinklage, who lamented the “hypocrisy” of Disney’s decision to cast Zegler while adapting a story featuring characters he described as “a retrograde story of seven dwarfs living in a cave.”
Moreover, with the new film set against the backdrop of current global conflicts, Rachel Zegler's visible political stances in support of Palestine have intensified discussions around her character, while Gal Gadot, playing the role of the Evil Queen, maintains her pro-Israel views. Social media has seen divisions like “team Rachel” and “team Gal,” reflecting the wider cultural and political divides beyond the realm of cinema.
Despite Disney’s attempts to temper the charges of cultural insensitivity, the marketing strategy has responded hesitantly. No press interviews were conducted on the red carpet during a recent Hollywood screening, which took place days after a similarly secretive European premiere in an isolated castle in Segovia.
As the release date approaches, it seems that the film’s stirrings of excitement and controversy may paradoxically drive its success. Critics have provided early reviews that surprisingly lean positive, indicating that audiences may find a new charm in this classic story retold for a modern age. Some reviews from well-known publications describe the musical numbers as memorable and state that Zegler is “magical” in her performance, while expressing reservations about CGI dwarfs. FilmHounds Magazine’s Paul Klein remarked, “Zegler is excellent in the lead role, and Gadot is amusing,” adding, “it is really the dwarfs in CGI who are not up to par.”
As varied audience reactions permeate through social media and advanced screenings, there is still a lingering wariness regarding how the film will be received by traditionalists versus more progressive viewers. The consensus is growing that while the film aims to modernize and avoid old tropes, it faces a delicate balance between respecting its roots and embracing contemporary sensibilities.
Perhaps the most crucial revelation will be whether Disney's efforts to pivot from the past—removing the symbolic seven dwarfs and reframing Snow White as a figure of modern empowerment—will resonate positively with audiences. Some predict a successful box office turnout opening weekend, regardless of the heated discussions that preceded it, while others worry that the contentious debates may overshadow the film’s artistic merits.
What can be seen as a potential seeds of transformation in Disney's storytelling is intertwined with the nostalgic recollections of the original fairy tale, posing the question: can this modern adaptation genuinely capture the hearts of both old and new audiences? Only time will tell as Snow White’s journey unfolds in theaters worldwide.
