Disney’s live-action remake of its classic film Snow White has not only been awaited for its cinematic appeal but has also found itself embroiled in controversies well before its scheduled release on March 21, 2025. Lead actress Rachel Zegler, who portrays the titular character, has sparked debates with her frank remarks about the original film and her role as Snow White. Yet, amid the tumult, early reviews are painting Zegler’s performance as truly captivating.
The remake, directed by Marc Webb and written by Erin Cressida Wilson, has faced backlash over various issues, including its depiction of the seven dwarfs and Zegler’s casting. Peter Dinklage, famed for his advocacy, criticized the film's portrayal of dwarfs living isolated lives, calling it “backward.” This criticism, among others, has clouded the production’s promotional efforts, particularly as Zegler and co-star Gal Gadot’s differing political views on the Israel-Palestine conflict have also added to the challenge of marketing the film.
Despite the controversies, the first reactions to Snow White are largely positive, particularly lauding Zegler’s performance. Reviewers are highlighting her enchanting presence and stellar vocal range, with some stating, "Rachel Zegler is great" and calling her portrayal of Snow White "magical." These praises suggest she has effectively captured the charming essence of the original Disney princess.
Zegler’s proven talent is evident from her previous role as María in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story, where her performance received significant acclaim, even if the film’s box office results did not match expectations. Some critics have suggested this background makes it less surprising to witness her excel as Snow White.
Interestingly, Zegler’s performance isn’t the only highlight from the preview screenings. The visuals are described as stunning, and the film’s message is said to resonate well with audiences. Nevertheless, concerns linger about whether positive reviews will translate to box office success. Snow White is projected to earn between $50 and $56 million during its opening weekend, which will be pivotal considering the recent struggles of Disney’s live-action adaptations at the box office.
Tensions have also surfaced between Zegler and Gadot, with sources hinting at their contrasting lifestyles—Zegler is merely 23, whereas Gadot, at 39, is a mother of four. Both actresses have participated together at promotional events, yet their differences contribute to the dynamics off-screen. Despite appearances together at the Oscars and other events, sources indicate they do not share much common ground beyond their work on the film.
Adding complexity to the discussions surrounding Snow White is Zegler's unapologetic critique of the original animated film, asserting its plot is "dated" and "weird." Her remarks about the traditional romance narrative sparked backlash before the film’s release, with social media commentators questioning her homage to the original film’s creators after condemning it. Recently, Zegler shared images on Instagram channeling Adriana Caselotti, the voice behind the original character. Her caption read, "Just had to pay homage to the original Snow White, Miss Adriana Caselotti, to whom I owe everything." While many celebrated her tribute, others criticized her for seeming to contradict her earlier criticisms of the original narrative.
Disney's Snow White has amassed additional scrutiny due to its significant budget, estimated at around $270 million. This extensive expenditure raises the stakes for its performance, especially as Disney reportedly scaled back on its promotional activities due to perceived backlash against the film. Indications suggest this decision was made to mitigate any fallout amid rising tensions surrounding issues of representation and narrative interpretation.
Despite the noises around it, insiders indicate Zegler and the film’s creative team remain optimistic. The excitement around Snow White's premiere at the El Capitan Theater is expected to draw attention. While the stars might not enjoy the lavish premieres typical of high-budget projects, the upswing from positive reactions may catalyze ticket sales as audiences flock to witness the film for themselves.
Critics and fans alike continue to watch closely as Disney navigates this complicated terrain, assessing whether the goodwill generated by Zegler’s performance can lift the film beyond the scrutiny it has faced. Her reiteration of Snow White's modern portrayal emphasizes resilience and ambition over the classic damsel-in-distress trope, which she argues resonates with contemporary audiences. Consequently, the outcome of this film could shape Disney's future direction for live adaptations of classic animations.
With the premiere only weeks away, Snow White stands at the intersection of rich storytelling and contemporary cultural discussions, keeping cinematic audiences on the edge of their seats to witness how history and modern interpretation collide.
