Disney’s latest live-action remake, Snow White, starring Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, hit theaters on March 21, 2025. As soon as the film was released, fans took to social media to share their thoughts, and the reviews on Twitter have been quite mixed.
Some viewers praised the film’s visuals and music, while others felt disappointed with its story and characters. According to a report by JND, this reimagined version of Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, first released as an animated movie back in 1937, has stirred a variety of opinions. Directed by Marc Webb and produced by Marc Platt, Snow White is an American musical fantasy drama that tells the familiar story of a young princess who teams up with seven dwarfs to free her kingdom from her evil stepmother, also known as the Evil Queen.
The film features a star-studded cast, including Rachel Zegler as Snow White and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen. Other key roles are played by Andrew Burnap, Ansu Kabia, and Martin Klebba. Many audience members shared their views on social media, revealing a split reaction to the film.
One Twitter user described Snow White as "a charming and magically modernized Disney reimagining," praising its bright visuals and catchy musical numbers. They highlighted that Rachel Zegler “shines” in her performance as Snow White. Another fan posted that the film is “visually stunning,” with beautiful cinematography, vibrant colors, and detailed costumes. They encouraged others to give the movie a chance before passing judgment.
However, not everyone shared the enthusiasm. A different viewer expressed disappointment, stating the film “has no real plot” and criticized the presence of “many underdeveloped characters.” While they acknowledged Zegler’s singing and enjoyed some aspects of the dwarfs’ performances, they concluded by calling the movie “decent but not memorable.”
Another reviewer provided a thorough critique, explaining that while the movie adheres to the basic outline of the original story, it attempts to reframe the narrative in a modern context. This effort introduces political themes that some viewers felt were forced, leading to a confusing experience overall. The film’s ending was noted to feel unrealistic, leaving some longtime fans unsatisfied.
Adding to the discourse around the film is Rachel Zegler, who has faced backlash since her casting announcement. The controversy began in 2022 when she characterized the original 1937 film as "dated" and "weird," especially regarding its romantic plot, where the prince "literally stalks [Snow White]." Her comments sparked significant criticism from certain Disney fans, with some labeling her insights as disrespectful.
Zegler, an American actor of Colombian descent, has also described her approach to the role as empowering. She claimed that her version of Snow White is not solely focused on finding love but instead on becoming a leader, a departure from the original portrayal. "She’s not going to be saved by the prince and she’s not going to be dreaming about true love. She's dreaming about becoming the leader she knows she can be," Zegler stated during a promotional event.
Despite its receptions, the film reflects Disney's attempts to modernize its beloved stories while grappling with contemporary critiques of gender roles and representation. The casting alone has attracted both praise and outrage, placing Zegler at the crossroads of social discussions regarding race and gender in cinema.
Another critique arose from actor Peter Dinklage, who expressed resentment towards the way Disney is handling the portrayal of dwarves in the film. Dinklage stated the film is “f***ing backwards” in its portrayal of dwarves, contributing to ongoing conversations about representation in Hollywood. Disney has stated that it consulted with members of the dwarfism community to avoid reinforcing stereotypes.
There are also concerns regarding the film's overall production quality and the representation of the characters. The budget ballooned to over $270 million, and racial backlash during Zegler's casting announcement echoes previous controversies faced by Disney productions. Advance ticket sales were notably limited, only opening two weeks prior to the premiere, a stark contrast to other Disney releases, which typically have far more extensive promotional windows.
The ultimate success of Snow White at the box office remains uncertain. Most projections estimate it will gross around $40-50 million domestically, alongside $100 million globally, substantially lower than previous Disney films like Beauty and the Beast, which earned $357 million during its opening weekend. Despite these challenges, the film continues to draw audiences curious to see how Zegler’s portrayal of this iconic character unfolds.
It’s important to note that this narrative reflects the complexities and challenges of modern adaptations of classic stories, and it remains to be seen how audiences will ultimately respond. Given the mixed reviews, the film’s legacy will likely be debated as it finds its place among Disney’s repertoire.
