Disney’s “Troubling” Version of ‘Snow White’ Canceled From Backlash

Disney’s upcoming live-action remake of Snow White has sparked significant controversy and backlash from various corners of the public, putting the entertainment giant under immense pressure, but it doesn’t stop there.

With criticism coming from multiple angles, the studio is facing one of its most challenging public relations battles in recent years. Both traditional fans and progressive voices are calling out perceived missteps in the film’s production and content, leading to a contentious debate about the future of Disney’s storytelling approach.

Disney Faces Backlash From Multiple Sides Over “woke” Snow White

One of the initial points of contention was the casting of Rachel Zegler as Snow White. Zegler, of Colombian and Polish descent, did not fit the traditional image of Snow White, described in the original tale as having “skin as white as snow.”

This casting decision ignited a firestorm of criticism, with some fans arguing that Disney’s choice was more about “making a politically correct statement” than staying true to the character’s description. In response to the backlash, Zegler acknowledged the controversy, stating, “I was trending on Twitter for days, because all of the people were angry.”

Adding fuel to the fire, Disney announced significant changes to the original storyline, which have not sat well with many fans. One of the most debated alterations is the replacement of the seven dwarfs with “magical creatures” to avoid reinforcing stereotypes associated with dwarfism.

This decision has not only angered fans of the original movie but has also drawn criticism from the dwarfism community, who feel that their representation in the story is being erased. Critics argue that this move undermines the integral role these characters play in Snow White’s narrative and deprives actors with dwarfism of significant roles.

Moreover, the new narrative departs from the traditional plot where Snow White is saved by a prince. Instead, the remake emphasizes Snow White’s journey to becoming a leader, promoting themes of independence and self-reliance.

Rachel Zegler has commented on these changes, emphasizing the film’s modern relevance: “It’s no longer 1937. She’s not going to be saved by the prince, and she’s not going to be dreaming about true love; she’s going to be dreaming about becoming the leader she knows she can be.”

However, this shift has been criticized for abandoning the essence of the original fairy tale, with some fans feeling that it undermines the classic elements that made Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs beloved.

The film has also been embroiled in a broader cultural debate about Disney’s direction and its attempts to modernize classic tales. Critics argue that the company is prioritizing “wokeness” over storytelling, leading to changes that feel forced and inauthentic.

Zegler defended this choice, stating, “Snow White is really a big deal in Spanish-speaking countries. I’m proud to bring that kind of representation to the role.”

Adding to the controversy, Disney recently had to reshoot multiple scenes with the cast. These reshoots were reportedly due to both creative differences and the need to address some of the backlash. This has only added to the perception that the film is troubled and that Disney is struggling to find the right balance between staying true to the original and making necessary modern updates.

But, the backlash doesn’t stop there.

Many fans have already shared they will not see the film when it is released, only fueling the fire that the film is essentially being terminated before it ever makes it to the box office.

Disney’s Original Snow White Is Also Under Fire

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) holds a significant place in the history of cinema and The Walt Disney Company. As the first-ever full-length animated feature, it marked a revolutionary step in filmmaking, showcasing Disney’s pioneering spirit. The film’s success was instrumental in establishing Disney as a major player in Hollywood and laid the foundation for the company’s future successes.

The release of Snow White was a financial risk for Walt Disney, but its triumph at the box office proved the viability of animated features as a form of storytelling. The film’s innovative use of Technicolor and its emotional depth captivated audiences, earning it an honorary Oscar and cementing its place as a timeless classic.

The success of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs allowed Disney to build on its newfound reputation, leading to the creation of other beloved classics such as Pinocchio (1940), Dumbo (1941), and Bambi (1942).

The film’s impact extended beyond the screen, influencing the animation industry and setting high standards for storytelling, character development, and artistic innovation.

Snow White also played a crucial role in the development of Disneyland. The financial success of the film provided the necessary capital for Walt Disney to pursue his dream of creating a theme park. Disneyland, which opened in 1955, featured Snow White’s Adventures as one of its original attractions, further cementing the film’s legacy in the Disney pantheon.

There has also been public debate about whether Disney should alter other classic elements of Snow White. An article from IGV Official discusses calls to remove the famous “true love’s kiss” scene, deemed problematic by some for portraying non-consensual contact.

This suggestion has fueled further discussions about the appropriateness of modernizing classic tales to align with contemporary values, sparking arguments from both supporters and detractors of such changes.

The truth of the matter is this: No matter what side of the aisle you fall on, there is likely some point of contention with either the live-action or the animated version of Snow White that you have with Disney right now.

Both sides of the debate—those calling for adherence to the original story and those advocating for modern updates—are pressuring Disney, making it clear that the company is walking a tightrope. While some view the changes as necessary updates to align with modern sensibilities, others see them as unnecessary alterations that betray the original story’s charm and legacy.

Directed by Marc Webb, the live-action film stars Rachel Zegler, Gal Gadot, and Andrew Burnap.

Disney’s Snow White (2025) is set to release in theaters on March 21, 2025.