Disney has never shied away from controversy, but the release of Snow White in 2025 took things to a whole new level. As part of the company’s ambitious slate of live-action remakes, this particular project was highly anticipated, but was met with challenges that led to significant backlash before and after its release.
From production delays to the backlash surrounding its star, Rachel Zegler, this remake had its fair share of hurdles to overcome. But the story doesn’t end there. In a twist no one expected, Snow White found new life when it premiered on Disney+.
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When Disney first announced their intention to remake Snow White back in 2016, few could have predicted the controversies that would surround the film. Initially slated for release in 2024, the film faced multiple delays before it finally hit theaters in March 2025. Speculation ran rampant about the reasons behind the delay, with many pointing to the growing backlash against the film even before it had been seen by audiences.
The primary source of the controversy was Rachel Zegler’s casting as Snow White. The actress, of Polish and Colombian descent, became the target of racist criticism from some who believed she didn’t fit the traditional image of the fair-skinned princess. Fans rushed to Zegler’s defense, condemning the racist attacks, but the actress herself would soon find herself embroiled in additional controversy.
Zegler made comments suggesting that her Snow White would be more proactive, even going so far as to say that Snow White didn’t need a prince and that the character of the prince was more like a “stalker.” These remarks alienated many fans who initially supported her and only added fuel to the fire.
Despite the negative press, Snow White was finally released in theaters in March 2025, but the results were far from what Disney had hoped for. The film grossed just over $200 million worldwide, a far cry from the studio’s expectations. In fact, the movie needed to make nearly double that amount to break even. This was a major blow to Disney, which had poured considerable resources into the remake.
While critics were quick to pan the film, with its Rotten Tomatoes score plummeting to just 39%, the movie’s audience reception was more favorable, with a 71% audience score.
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Yet, in a surprising turn of events, Snow White found a second chance when it made its way to Disney+. Premiering on June 11, 2025, the film quickly shot to number one on the streaming platform. Fans who had been hesitant to watch the film in theaters flocked to Disney+ to give it a chance.
While it remains highly unlikely that the film’s streaming success will offset its significant losses at the box office, the boost in viewership is certainly a positive sign for the film’s legacy.
However, even this streaming success couldn’t erase the drama that surrounded the film. Zegler’s public persona took another hit as she continued to downplay the poor box office performance and insisted that the movie was still a triumph.
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Her attitude frustrated many fans, who felt that the film’s shortcomings were being ignored. Nonetheless, the fact that Snow White performed so well on Disney+ in spite of all the negativity speaks to its appeal to a wider audience, one more inclined to embrace the film on the comfort of their own couch rather than in a theater.
For all its struggles, Snow White has done better with audiences than critics. While the film may not have wowed critics, who had harsh words for the remake, it seems to have resonated more with viewers who are simply looking to enjoy a different take on the classic story. Despite the controversies, the film’s ability to climb to the top of Disney+ shows that its narrative has struck a chord with many.
Have you had a chance to watch Snow White on Disney+ yet? What do you think of the film’s unexpected success after its rocky start? Do you agree with the critiques of Rachel Zegler’s portrayal of the princess, or do you think she brought something fresh to the character? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation about Disney’s most controversial remake to date.
I watched Snow White on Disney+. I was surprised because I had heard so much negative about it. I liked it! It changed a few things to make it relatable to the times without changing too much. I would have liked real little people for the dwarf parts just because little people need to work also but it was actually good. If we can watch a black Ariel we can watch a Latino Snow!!