
The future of Disney’s storytelling could hinge on the reception of its live-action Snow White remake, insiders suggest. While fans eagerly await the release of Frozen 3, sources claim that Disney is adopting a cautious approach to the script’s final direction, with the performance of Snow White at the box office potentially influencing major creative decisions.

The stakes are high. Recent Disney projects, such as Moana 2, have crossed significant financial milestones but left audiences divided. Now, the company is watching closely to see if Snow White, starring Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, can resonate with audiences—or if it will signal the need for a dramatic course correction in Disney’s approach to female-led narratives.
A Turning Point for Frozen 3
It’s no secret that Frozen 3 is one of Disney’s most anticipated films, with fans hoping it will deliver the same magic as the original 2013 hit. According to Frozen star Josh Gad, the creative team is being meticulous. “We don’t want to rush this. The goal is to make something absolutely worthy of the original,” Gad shared.
However, behind the scenes, Disney appears to be leaving room for adjustments. A trusted insider claims that the box office performance of Snow White will serve as a barometer for what audiences want—and don’t want—from Disney’s modern storytelling.
This wait-and-see strategy reflects a broader reevaluation at Disney, which has faced increasing backlash for its perceived political messaging. Jennifer Lee, the director of Frozen 3 and former head of Disney Animation, is reportedly grappling with these challenges. Known for championing progressive themes, Lee may need to adapt her creative vision in response to shifting audience expectations.
Rumors of Elsa becoming an LGBTQ+ icon—a topic of significant speculation in previous years—now seem less likely under Disney’s new approach. The company has publicly stated its intent to avoid polarizing themes in children’s content, saying, “We aim to create stories that families can enjoy together, respecting the fact that parents prefer to discuss certain subjects on their own terms.”
Snow White: A Litmus Test
The live-action Snow White, set to release in 2025, is shaping up to be more than just a remake. For Disney, it’s a cultural and financial experiment. The production has already faced significant hurdles, with its budget ballooning to $269 million by the end of 2023.
Criticism began early, sparked by the casting of Rachel Zegler as Snow White. While Zegler has earned acclaim for her performances in West Side Story and other films, her portrayal of a character historically described as having “skin as white as snow” drew backlash online.
Adding to the controversy were Zegler’s comments about the original Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. She described the 1937 classic as “outdated,” criticizing its portrayal of women. “Snow White is not going to be saved by a prince, and she’s not dreaming about true love in this version,” Zegler said in an interview.
These remarks, while resonating with some, alienated others, including members of Disney’s own legacy. David Hand, the son of one of the animators who worked on the original film, condemned the remake, calling it a “disgrace” and accusing Disney of “destroying something beautiful.”
The first teaser trailer, released in August 2024, only deepened the controversy. It became the most disliked teaser trailer in YouTube history, amassing nearly a million dislikes within weeks.
The Financial Stakes
Unlike many Hollywood productions, the budget for Snow White has been made public, thanks to the UK’s Audio-Visual Expenditure Credit program. This initiative offers tax reimbursements for productions that meet specific criteria, including spending at least 10% of their budget in the UK. To qualify, Disney created a UK-based subsidiary, Hidden Heart Productions, which revealed the film’s eye-watering $269.4 million budget.
While the tax credit eases some financial pressure, the disclosed budget highlights just how much Disney is risking on this project. If Snow White underperforms, it could become one of Disney’s most expensive missteps.
Implications for Disney’s Future
The stakes extend far beyond Snow White. Should the film falter, Disney could be forced to rethink its approach to projects like Frozen 3 and the Rey movie. Both films are currently in development, with scripts that may undergo significant rewrites depending on Snow White’s reception.
The Rey movie, in particular, has faced challenges of its own. As the fourth writer takes a crack at the script, Disney seems intent on avoiding past missteps with the divisive Star Wars character. Critics have often described Rey as a “girl boss” archetype with little character development—a trope that Disney appears to be moving away from.
As for Frozen 3, the film’s direction will likely reflect a more careful balancing act, aiming to please both progressive audiences and more traditional viewers. Whether this approach will succeed remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: 2025 will be a pivotal year for Disney’s storytelling.
For now, all eyes are on Snow White. If it succeeds, it could validate Disney’s modernized narratives. If it fails, it could mark the end of an era—and the beginning of a very different chapter for the entertainment giant.