Disney's live-action remake of Snow White, directed by Marc Webb, has hit theaters today, March 21, 2025, amidst a whirlwind of controversies and mixed reactions. This highly anticipated film, a fresh take on Walt Disney's 1937 classic Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, began its preview screenings the day before, on March 20, leading to a wave of pre-release critiques and fanfare.
At the center of much of the talk is lead actress Rachel Anne Zegler, who has been facing an onslaught of online threats due to her Colombian heritage. Critics have voiced strong opinions on social media, feeling that Zegler was an inappropriate choice for the character often described as having "skin as white as snow." This backlash intensified following her comments branding the original film as outdated, alongside a controversial post regarding former President Donald Trump that only exacerbated her online harassment.
Adding to the nuances of this situation, Zegler's co-star, Gal Gadot, known for playing the Evil Queen, holds contrasting views on the Israel-Gaza conflict, further complicating the film's narrative landscape.
In a show of solidarity, R&B artist Brandy reached out to Zegler, stating, "You’re not taking on this role to fit the mould of the critics…You’re doing this for every little Colombian girl who has yet to see themselves in a role like a Disney princess," emphasizing the significance of representation in such iconic roles. Brandy herself faced a similar backlash decades earlier when she became the first Black woman to play Cinderella in 1997, highlighting a historic pattern of controversy surrounding diverse casting in Disney productions.
Social media reactions have varied dramatically. Some users criticized the film’s marketing strategy, with comments such as, "Disney is trying a really interesting marketing strategy where the star of the new Snow White spends a year before the movie’s release publicly talking about how much she despises Snow White." Others voiced strong opposition to Zegler's casting, with one commenter expressing, "CULTURAL APPROPRIATION: As a Latino male I FULLY REJECT a Latina playing Snow White. Snow White is a white European character that's based on German folklore. Why are we changing characters in the name of DEI?! BOYCOTT this abomination!"
Yet, not all feedback has been negative. Critics like Skyler Shuler have described the film as "pure Disney magic," anticipating it will become one of people’s favorite Disney remakes. This is a sentiment echoed across some reviews that have praised Zegler’s vocal performances and character portrayal.
However, not all audience members share this enthusiasm. One viewer commented post-screening, "I sadly left underwhelmed. Zegler is outstanding & her vocal performance really elevated the old & new songs. Everything else is just aimless, no real plot, weak villain, and many underdeveloped characters. It’s decent just not memorable." Another critic lamented, "Snow White is soulless. This is embarrassing.”
The film industry, particularly Disney, is likely aware of the implications of this polarized reception and will be monitoring audience engagement closely as more viewers share their thoughts on various platforms. Given that this is a remake steeped in rich cultural history, its reception may also reflect broader societal attitudes toward representation and diversity in media.
As filmgoers flock to theaters for this latest iteration of a beloved classic, the conversation around inclusivity in casting and storytelling is sure to continue. In an era where audiences are increasingly vocal, the outcome of Snow White may resonate beyond its box office performance, influencing future projects within Hollywood's landscape.
