Disney's highly anticipated live-action remake of Snow White premiered in theaters on March 21, 2025, but it comes with a hefty load of controversy. The film, a reimagining of the classic 1937 animated feature, has already been marred by debates surrounding its casting, representation, and cultural relevance.
Rachel Zegler, a Colombian-American actress, stars as the titular character, Snow White, alongside Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen. The casting of Zegler sparked outrage from certain online communities, marking a similarity to the backlash faced by Halle Bailey when she was cast as Ariel in Disney’s live-action Little Mermaid. Much of the animosity directed at Zegler stemmed from her being perceived as "not white enough" for a character traditionally associated with European heritage.
Culture critics Cristina Escobar and Adam Nayman discussed the issues surrounding the film on the podcast Commotion, highlighting how Disney seems to struggle with balancing modern themes of diversity in its adaptations while catering to audiences who hold traditional views. Nayman noted, "Disney wants to have it both ways. But also in addressing this within the movie... there’s nothing rousing or compelling about the Snow White character."
The production of Snow White was not without significant challenges. The film's budget escalated to $270 million, excluding marketing costs, due to various delays stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic and production issues. Gal Gadot encountered personal health complications during filming, which further set back production timelines. Moreover, the movie faced scrutiny over its depiction of the seven dwarfs, leading to worries about representation when it was leaked that the film would add a troop of woodland bandits alongside the dwarfs, leading to public fear that the classic characters might be removed entirely for political correctness.
Moreover, Zegler’s social media activity has landed her in hot water. After posting a controversial statement regarding the results of the last US presidential election, such as, "May Trump supporters and Trump voters and Trump himself never know peace," Zegler faced intense backlash, including personal attacks, and calls for her recast. Following the criticism, she apologized, stating, "I let my emotions get the best of me." This incident further fueled the divisive discussions around the film, intertwining its reception with polarizing political narratives.
The film also serves as a cautionary tale about how trying to remain relevant can deeply affect a cultural product. The marketing efforts encountered obstacles as early reactions to initial trailers featured unflattering comparisons and staunch criticism. Nayman observed, “We’re trying to harness the fantasies of these 90-year-old properties and update them to a modern world.” As media narratives evolved around the film, conflicts rose between supporters of Zegler—who appreciate the representation—and critics who see it as part of an “anti-woke” agenda.
As Zegler and Gadot navigate this treacherous landscape of public opinion, it’s clear that this version of Snow White is not just a family-friendly adaptation; it's become a platform for broader societal conversations. Disney’s latest endeavor reflects both the potential for modern storytelling and the pitfalls of cultural backlash against diversity in Hollywood.
Despite mixed reviews and a score of only 46% on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics pointing out a lack of coherence within the narrative, some reviews still cited the performances and visuals as highlights. David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter called it one of the stronger entries in Disney’s live-action lineup. Still, the film may be facing challenges at the box office, projected to earn somewhere between $45 and $50 million on opening weekend, marking a decline from earlier Disney remakes.
In navigating its complex social waters and aiming to strike a harmonious balance between legacy and modernity, Snow White serves as a reflection of Disney’s current quandary — can the studio maintain its magical reputation amid fierce political divisions and societal expectations? It will be interesting to see how audiences respond to the film now that it is in theaters and whether Disney can successfully reshape the cultural landscape it seeks to connect with.
