The long-awaited live-action adaptation of "Blanca Nieves" made its debut in theaters on March 20, 2025. With an initial box office gross of $3.5 million during its pre-release, it has attracted significant attention. However, the film's release has been marred by controversy and mixed reviews, echoing Disney's ongoing challenges with its live-action adaptations.
Directed by Marc Webb, known for his work on "The Amazing Spider-Man 2," this reimagining of the classic story features Rachel Zegler in the title role and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen. The film's budget exceeded $250 million, which means that for it to be deemed successful, it must achieve impressive earnings in its opening weekend—projected between $45 and $55 million in the United States, with an additional $50 million expected from international screenings, potentially bringing the global total to around $100 million.
Critics have noted that this version introduces significant changes, steering away from its 1937 predecessor. While the heart of the story remains intact, the details have been modernized to resonate with today's audiences. Zegler's character is depicted as more than a damsel in distress; she demonstrates leadership and agency, moving away from the traditional image of a princess waiting for rescue.
In what could be seen as one of the film's most significant changes, Zegler's Blanca, rather than denoting innocence and romantic yearning, is described by her as a leader seeking to reclaim her rightful place. During an industry analysis, it was emphasized, "This film is not just about finding true love; it’s about leadership and reclaiming one’s kingdom." This shift in focus is reflective of Disney's broader trend to empower its princess characters, allowing them to take charge of their destinies.
The early reception of the film, however, has posed new challenges. According to Rotten Tomatoes, the film opened with a disheartening approval rating of 43%, which later rose slightly to 46% as audiences began to weigh in on their thoughts after the premiere. The response gained traction as reviews poured in, with many viewers voicing their concerns over the reinterpretation of beloved characters and narratives.
Moreover, Zegler has faced backlash regarding her casting, especially her comments about the original animated feature, which she has admitted is not her favorite due to its romantic undertones that she deemed "oscillatory" in nature. This feedback has not only shocked fans but also sparked conversations about the portrayal of relationships in cinematic adaptations.
The involvement of magical creatures—the seven dwarfs—also raised eyebrows. In the live-action film, these characters are given deeper stories and backgrounds, diverging significantly from their roles in the original. Now portrayed as ancient magical beings, complete with the ability to emit light to aid in their mining endeavors, this adds a new layer to the fantasy aspect of the story. The creative liberties taken here, while applauded by some, have left others nostalgic for the simpler representations seen in the classic version.
Additionally, critics have pointed out that Tontín, the dwarf character, now possesses the ability to speak and even narrates parts of the story, which is a marked departure from his original portrayal as a mute character. This narrative decision, like many others in the film, splits opinion among audiences who appreciate the efforts to modernize the tale while others lament the loss of its simplicity.
Another aspect that has received commentary is the film’s soundtrack. While new songs were composed for the film by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, several iconic songs were omitted from this adaptation. The decision to replace traditional melodies has frustrated many fans who anticipated hearing classic tunes, leading them to question the essence of what defines the character of "Blanca Nieves."
The film's challenges do not just rest upon its story and character development but also the potential for significant box office earnings. Industry analysts have expressed that for Disney to justify such a grand investment, the film needs a good reception to justify its massive budget. This underscores the importance of the audience's role in determining the film's longevity and success.
As the cinematic landscape shifts, Disney finds itself at a crossroads. The tension between honoring nostalgia and pushing for more progressive storytelling continues to create friction. While the live-action "Blanca Nieves" attempts to blend these elements, the early responses hint that it may not entirely hit the mark. As it seeks to carve out its bankability, many are left asking: will audiences embrace this new iteration, or will it fall into the realm of forgettable adaptations?
