The highly anticipated remake of Disney's "Snow White" premiered on March 19, 2025, amidst a flurry of controversies and criticisms that began even before its release. Directed by Mark Webb, known for his work on "The Amazing Spider-Man," this adaptation has been met with a barrage of negative reviews, leading to an unprecedented IMDb rating of just 1.6. Critics are calling it "the most problematic" film in Disney's 102-year history, sparking debates about its casting choices, narrative direction, and the political climate surrounding its release.
Disney has been on a roll since 2010, regularly releasing live-action adaptations of its classic animated films, beginning with "Alice in Wonderland," which grossed over a billion dollars. However, the studio's latest attempt to breathe new life into "Snow White" has not gone as planned. The film's budget reportedly soared between $250 and $270 million, yet it managed to gross only $87.3 million in its opening weekend, raising eyebrows across the industry.
Controversy erupted right from the announcement of the casting. The lead role of Snow White was given to Rachel Zegler, a Colombian actress, which drew ire from conservative audiences who felt she did not fit the traditional image of the character. Zegler's comments about the original 1937 animated film, where she stated she "hated" it and called the Prince a "stalker" for kissing Snow White without her consent, further inflamed the situation. Critics, including actor Peter Dinklage, condemned Disney for perpetuating outdated stereotypes through the film’s portrayal of the dwarfs, leading to accusations of double standards.
As the release date approached, the film's promotional campaign faced significant challenges. Zegler's outspoken support for Palestine during the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict clashed with the sentiments of her co-star, Israeli actress Gal Gadot, who publicly supported Israel. This political rift resulted in security concerns for both actresses, with Disney reportedly hiring additional protection for Gadot and a social media consultant for Zegler to manage her online presence.
In the midst of these controversies, Disney decided to replace live-action dwarfs with CGI characters in response to backlash from the dwarf community. This decision was met with further criticism, with some actors arguing that it hindered opportunities for performers with dwarfism. Artist Blake Johnston voiced his disapproval, stating that the studio yielded to political correctness, making it harder for actors like him to find work.
Despite the controversies, the film attempts to modernize the classic tale. Zegler's Snow White is portrayed as a strong, independent character who does not wait for a prince to save her. Instead, she embarks on her own journey of self-discovery and leadership, a narrative shift that some viewers found appealing, while others felt it strayed too far from the original charm of the story.
The plot follows Snow White as she navigates her tumultuous relationship with her evil stepmother, played by Gadot, who is obsessed with her beauty and power. The film's narrative introduces a more complex backstory, including the king's disappearance and the queen's rise to power, which some critics argue detracts from the simplicity and magic of the original fairy tale.
However, the film's execution has been criticized for being disjointed and unfocused. Reviewers have noted that the pacing is inconsistent, with some scenes feeling rushed while others drag on. The romantic subplot involving a bandit named Jonathan, rather than the traditional Prince Charming, has also drawn mixed reactions. While some appreciate the shift towards a more progressive narrative, others feel it lacks the enchantment of the original.
The film's musical elements, composed by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, who previously worked on "La La Land," have also received mixed reviews. While some songs have been praised, many critics feel they fail to leave a lasting impression compared to the iconic music of the 1937 version. Gadot's performance, in particular, has been critiqued for lacking vocal strength, which undermines her character's impact.
As the film continues to garner attention, the ratings remain dismal. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a mere 42% approval rating, with critics and audiences expressing disappointment over what they perceive as a lack of creativity and coherence. The film's initial box office returns have been disappointing, with total earnings hovering around $92.6 million since its premiere.
In the wake of the film's release, discussions around its implications have sparked broader conversations about inclusivity and representation in Hollywood. Many argue that Disney's attempts to modernize classic tales must be handled with care and respect for the original narratives, while others believe that the studio's efforts to adapt to contemporary values are commendable, even if the execution falls short.
Ultimately, the fate of "Snow White" serves as a cautionary tale for the entertainment industry, illustrating the challenges of remaking beloved classics in a rapidly changing cultural landscape. As audiences continue to engage with the film, it will be interesting to see whether Disney can recover from this setback and find a way to resonate with both traditional fans and new viewers in the future.
