Disney’s live-action Snow White is finally set to hit theaters in March 2025, but the road to its release has been fraught with controversy. As Disney rolls out its promotional efforts, the highly anticipated remake of the 1937 classic is generating as much debate as it is excitement, sparking questions about the balance between honoring tradition and reimagining timeless stories for modern audiences.
From the start, the film, directed by Marc Webb (The Amazing Spider-Man), has faced challenges. After significant delays, fans got their first look at Rachel Zegler as the titular princess and a CGI reimagining of the seven dwarfs, a creative pivot from Disney’s initial plan to reportedly feature “magical creatures.”
Responding to the initial concern about the dwarfs’ role in the movie, Disney announced in 2022 that the dwarfs would be replaced, noting: “To avoid reinforcing stereotypes from the original animated film, we are taking a different approach with these seven characters and have been consulting with members of the dwarfism community,” Disney said via ABC.
The casting of Zegler, a Latina actress, has also drawn comparisons to Halle Bailey’s groundbreaking portrayal of Ariel in The Little Mermaid (2023). Both stars have challenged traditional representations of Disney princesses, a topic they discussed during a Variety Actors on Actors interview. While some have praised the effort toward inclusivity, others remain divided over the creative liberties taken with the classic tale.
One such creative choice is the new backstory for Snow White’s name. Zegler explained that her character’s moniker was inspired by her survival as an infant during a snowstorm—a sharp departure from the Grimm Brothers’ version, where Snow White is named for her “skin as white as snow.” This modernized narrative is featured prominently in an international trailer, where Zegler’s voiceover states, “To honor the day I was born, my father named me Snow White.”
In addition to the updated storyline, Snow White introduces a new original song, “Waiting on a Wish,” composed by Pasek and Paul, the award-winning duo. Yet, even fresh musical additions have been overshadowed by heated discussions.
Zegler’s comments at the 2022 D23 Expo added fuel to the fire. During the event, she described the prince as a “stalker” and noted that Snow White’s focus would shift from “true love” to themes of “leadership and strength.” These remarks sparked backlash from traditionalists who saw the changes as straying too far from the source material.
Zegler’s outspoken activism has kept her in the spotlight throughout the film’s development. Her vocal support for the SAG-AFTRA strikes and polarizing views on Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential victory over Kamala Harris—shared during her Broadway run in Romeo + Juliet—have further fueled online debates about the actress and the movie.
Behind the scenes, the stakes are enormous. With a reported production budget of nearly $300 million, Disney is betting big on the success of Snow White. However, its exclusion from the studio’s Q4 2024 financial disclosures, which featured major titles like Captain America: Brave New World and Avatar: Fire and Ash, has sparked speculation about Disney’s confidence in the project.
While reveling in the fact they ended up top of the 2024 box office with record-breaking hits like Inside Out 2, Deadpool & Wolverine, and Moana 2, Disney revealed what to look forward to in 2025–and finally referenced Snow White. The press release reads:
“The Walt Disney Studios diverse and entertaining slate will feature highly anticipated releases like Captain America: Brave New World, Thunderbolts*, and The Fantastic Four: First Steps from Marvel Studios; live-action adaptations of Snow White and Lilo & Stitch; eagerly awaited sequels Freakier Friday and Zootopia 2; a new original film from Pixar in Elio; new installments from fan-favorite franchises Avatar: Fire and Ash, TRON: Ares, and Predator: Badlands.”
As the remake of Disney’s first full-length animated feature, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the film carries the weight of immense expectations. The 1937 original, a groundbreaking achievement in animation, became a cornerstone of the Disney legacy, grossing $8 million during its initial release—a staggering sum for the era. From Adriana Caselotti’s unforgettable voice work to beloved songs like “Someday My Prince Will Come,” the classic remains a cultural touchstone.
Now, Zegler stars as Snow White, alongside Gal Gadot’s Evil Queen, Andrew Burnap as Jonathan, and a supporting cast featuring Ansu Kabia and Martin Klebba. Directed by Marc Webb, with a screenplay by Erin Cressida Wilson and Greta Gerwig, the live-action adaptation hopes to honor its legacy while appealing to today’s audiences.
With Snow White poised as a litmus test for Disney’s remake strategy, fans and critics alike are left wondering: Will it overcome its controversies to recapture the magic of the original? Join the conversation in the comments below!
Disney may think this film is “highly anticipated”, but the fans? Not so much. I’m predicting a multimillion dollar flop, to which Disney will scratch their collective heads and say, “What did we do wrong?”