Heigh-ho, heigh-ho, it’s off to an internet uproar we go! Disney’s latest live-action remake, Snow White, has sparked a storm of controversy following the release of its first teaser trailer. While some fans are excited about the fresh approach, others are less enchanted. The Disney Snow White live action controversy began as soon as the teaser premiered at the D23 Expo, showcasing Rachel Zegler as Snow White and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen. Slated for a March 21, 2025 release, the film features Zegler singing the iconic “Whistle While You Work” and Gadot’s “mirror, mirror” moment, with the seven dwarfs appearing as CGI characters. Directed by Marc Webb and penned by Greta Gerwig and Erin Cressida Wilson, the remake promises a modern twist on the classic 1937 Disney film.
While the live-action adaptation comes with new songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, it has drawn criticism for several changes that have ruffled feathers among die-hard Disney fans. Here’s a breakdown of the factors fueling the Disney Snow White live action controversy.
Rachel Zegler’s Casting: Debates Over Authenticity
The decision to cast Rachel Zegler as Snow White has been a key point of contention since it was announced in 2021. As a Latina actress of Polish-Colombian descent, some critics have questioned whether she fits the role of Snow White, a character famously described as having “skin as white as snow.” This aspect has become central to the Disney Snow White Rachel Zegler casting debate.
Zegler addressed the backlash directly, calling out the “nonsensical discourse” over her casting on social media. She posted childhood photos dressed as a princess, stating, “I hope every child knows they can be a princess no matter what.” Despite her stance, the criticism surrounding the Rachel Zegler Snow White casting persisted, with some fans expressing concerns about staying true to the character’s original description.
A Modern Reimagining: Is It a ‘Woke’ Overhaul?
Critics have also voiced concerns about the film’s approach to updating the traditional Snow White narrative. During a 2022 interview with Variety, Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot explained that the new storyline would depart from the classic “damsel in distress” trope. According to Gadot, the film positions Snow White as “the proactive one” who “sets the terms.” Zegler further elaborated that this Disney live action Snow White is not dreaming of “true love,” but rather focusing on becoming a fair and courageous leader.
Zegler even referred to the original prince as a “stalker” in one interview, noting that the original 1937 film is outdated in its portrayal of women’s roles in society. In this adaptation, “fairest of them all” is redefined to mean a just and capable ruler, not merely the prettiest girl in the land. The modern twist has attracted both applause and backlash, with some conservative commentators arguing that Disney is forcing modern feminist ideals into a beloved fairytale.
A popular TikTok video from user @reubenwoodall, with over 1.3 million likes, criticised the depiction of a “girl boss” Snow White, saying, “The point of Snow White’s fairytale isn’t that she’s trying to become a leader. She’s not supposed to be this feminist icon.”
The Original Director’s Son Adds His Voice to the Debate
Amidst the Disney Snow White live action controversy, David Hand, son of the director of the original 1937 Snow White, has also spoken out. In an interview with The Daily Telegraph in 2023, Hand described the remake as a “disgrace,” criticizing Disney for reimagining the story instead of respecting his father’s work and Walt Disney’s vision. He expressed that both his father and Walt would be “turning in their graves” over the changes made to the story.
Portrayal of the Seven Dwarfs: Backlash Over Stereotypes
Another controversy centres around Disney’s approach to depicting the seven dwarfs. Actor Peter Dinklage, who has achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism, criticized the studio in a 2022 interview. He called Disney’s decision to revisit the “backward story” of seven dwarfs living together contradictory, especially in light of the studio’s push for progressive casting.
Disney responded to Dinklage’s concerns by stating that they had been working with members of the dwarfism community to avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes. In the teaser trailer, the dwarfs are depicted as CGI characters, but the studio has not provided extensive details on how their portrayal has been modernized.
Will Disney’s Snow White Win Over Audiences?
As the Disney live action Snow White trailer continues to generate buzz, it’s unclear how this new take will fare with audiences upon its release. The film aims to reflect today’s world, where female characters don’t rely on princes for rescue and leadership is measured by strength and justice rather than beauty. Supporters argue that the updated story aligns with contemporary values of diversity and inclusion, while critics lament what they see as an unnecessary departure from a classic tale.
With the Disney Snow White Rachel Zegler casting and storyline changes drawing mixed reactions, the Disney Snow White live action controversy shows no signs of fading. Whether the film will enchant or alienate fans remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain: the upcoming release is already sparking spirited discussions about feminism, authenticity, and the evolving nature of storytelling.
FAQs
Why is Rachel Zegler’s casting as Snow White controversial?
Some critics questioned why a Latina actress like Rachel Zegler was cast as Snow White, a character traditionally depicted with “skin as white as snow.” However, Zegler and many fans support the casting, emphasizing that any child should be able to see themselves as a princess.
What are the modern twists in Disney’s new Snow White?
The remake reimagines Snow White as a proactive leader, focusing less on finding true love and more on becoming a strong, just ruler.
What did Peter Dinklage say about the new Snow White?
Peter Dinklage criticized Disney for revisiting the story of the seven dwarfs, calling it a “backward” portrayal, despite the studio’s progressive casting choices.
When will Disney’s live-action Snow White be released?
Disney’s live-action Snow White is set to be released on March 21, 2025.
Who are the stars of the live-action Snow White?
The film stars Rachel Zegler as Snow White and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, with a script written by Greta Gerwig and Erin Cressida Wilson.
