Disney's highly anticipated live-action remake of its classic animated film, Snow White, is set to hit theaters amid swirling controversies. Starring Colombian and Polish actress Rachel Zegler as the titular princess and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, the film has garnered mixed reactions before its release, originally scheduled for March 20, 2025, following intense public discourse and criticism.
One of the central points of contention stems from Zegler's comments expressing her desire to reinterpret the narrative traditionally defined by the 1937 classic. Speaking with Variety, she emphasized how her portrayal would diverge significantly from the original, stating, "I just mean it's no longer 1937, and we absolutely wrote a Snow White that's not gonna be saved by the prince... She's dreaming about becoming the leader she knows she can be." Zegler's vision intends to empower younger audiences by shifting focus onto Snow White's internal growth rather than her romantic aspirations.
Zegler's bold remarks have ignited backlash, particularly her characterization of the original prince as "a guy who literally stalks" the princess. While she aimed to modernize the story's themes, many critics interpreted her comments as direct critiques of Disney's history, causing discomfort among loyal fans of the animated original who see such criticisms as attacks on its classic status.
The controversy expanded as the film faced scrutiny from various factions, including right-wing commentators who condemned the casting of Zegler citing her Latina heritage as inappropriate for the role of Snow White, who has been traditionally depicted as having skin "as white as snow." This stems from broader conversations about representation and diversity within Disney’s franchise films. For example, when Halle Bailey was cast as Ariel for The Little Mermaid (2023), similar complaints arose from conservative circles.
Compounding the controversy, Gal Gadot's casting led to calls for boycotts from activist groups citing her vocal support for Israel amid intensified conflicts with Palestine. Zegler has positioned herself as pro-Palestine on social media, amplifying the political divide between the two actresses and sparking speculation about tensions on set. Despite the criticisms, both stars appeared unified during the film's March 15, 2025, premiere.
The live-action remake itself had to navigate significant production challenges, including delays—its release was pushed back from 2024 to 2025 amid Hollywood strikes. The film reportedly cost Disney upwards of $270 million to produce, including substantial marketing expenses. Given the heated public sentiment, industry experts are now speculating whether it can make enough at the box office to retrieve its investment.
Adding to the film's challenges, actor Peter Dinklage raised concerns about the portrayal of the dwarfs, questioning Disney's decision to feature traditionally stereotyped characters, saying it was "f***ing backwards" to simultaneously push for Inclusivity but still use outdated narratives. This led to Disney’s announcement of casting CGI characters rather than actors with dwarfism, sparking fresh debates on representation within entertainment.
Despite the controversies, some individuals from the dwarfism community defended Dinklage's remarks. They expressed disappointment with the studio's decision to replace the human roles with CGI creations, arguing it deprived actors from the community of legitimate opportunities. One gigging performer, Choon Tan, remarked, "There's really nothing wrong with casting someone with dwarfism as a dwarf... it’s damaging our careers and opportunities." This perspective highlights the complexity surrounding advocacy for inclusion and representation, often resulting in conflicting viewpoints.
The narrative's evolution didn’t stop there. Zegler's detailing of Snow White's name origin underwent reinterpretation; instead of tying it to "skin as white as snow," the backstory was adapted to reflect resilience, as she survived a snowstorm during infancy. Zegler stated, "The king and queen decided to name her Snow White to remind her of her resilience." This new origin story seeks to resonate with contemporary audiences who value empowerment over traditional tropes.
Despite the heated dialogue surrounding its development, initial box office projections painted a more positive picture, forecasting earnings anywhere from $50 million to $85 million for its opening weekend. After a lengthy string of controversies, including limited media access to the premiere—often interpreted as damage control by Disney—the film's reception will test audiences’ willingness to accept this remolded version of Disney's beloved classic.
Overall, Snow White embodies not just the fairy tale expectations but broader societal conversations on inclusion, storytelling, and cultural identity. The film stands at the crossroads of legacy and innovation, where traditional animations meet contemporary storytelling, setting the stage for how audiences perceive classic characters revised for modern sensibilities.
Whether the film will prove successful at writing its own fairy tale remains to be seen. With changing paradigms within the cinematic universe and ever-evolving audience expectations, it may need to find its footing—and perhaps its own happily ever after—in the weeks following its release.
