With Disney’s live-action adaptation of Snow White set to hit theaters in March 2025, the studio has launched a promotional campaign, albeit seemingly only with trailers, for one of its most ambitious projects yet. However, instead of excitement, the remake has sparked intense debates, casting a shadow over Disney’s efforts to refresh its legendary tale.
Directed by Marc Webb, the film reimagines the 1937 animated classic in a way that has divided fans from the start. Rachel Zegler stars as Snow White, and while her casting marks an important step in representation akin to Halle Bailey’s Ariel in The Little Mermaid (2023), it has also been the subject of polarizing discourse.
The controversy deepened after Disney redefined the origins of Snow White’s name. Departing from the Grimm Brothers’ fairy tale, where the name referenced her “skin as white as snow,” the live-action version portrays Snow White as a survivor of a perilous snowstorm. As Zegler explained in a Variety interview, “The king and queen decided to name her Snow White to remind her of her resilience.”
This updated backstory was confirmed in an international trailer narrated by Zegler herself, which revealed the moment her father named her Snow White. The trailer also offers a glimpse of the film’s whimsical tone, featuring CGI-rendered dwarfs and Gal Gadot as the menacing Evil Queen. A new song, “Waiting on a Wish,” penned by Pasek and Paul (La La Land), underscores Disney’s efforts to modernize the musical identity of the film.
The production has faced additional challenges. Zegler’s remarks at the 2022 D23 Expo, where she criticized the prince as a “stalker” and emphasized Snow White’s focus on “leadership and strength” over “true love,” drew mixed reactions. Her political stances and outspoken participation in the SAG-AFTRA strikes of 2023 only added fuel to the fire, making her a catalyst for discourse surrounding the film.
Despite its estimated $300 million budget (via Forbes), Snow White has remained conspicuously absent from Disney’s Q4 2024 financial forecasts, raising questions about the studio’s confidence in the project. This muted marketing effort stands in stark contrast to the hype surrounding other Disney blockbusters like 2024’s Moana 2 (2024) and the upcoming Lilo & Stitch (2025).
The timing of the release presents yet another challenge. Sandwiched between the aforementioned hits, Snow White must carve out its own space in a crowded slate, contending with both audience expectations and lingering controversies.
Originally released in 1937, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs holds a special place in Disney’s history as its first full-length animated feature. The groundbreaking film, made on a then-record budget of $1.49 million, grossed $8 million during its initial theatrical run.
The animated classic’s legacy is defined not only by its box office success but also by its cultural impact. Voice actors Adriana Caselotti, Lucille La Verne, and Harry Stockwell brought the characters to life, while songs like “Heigh-Ho” and “Someday My Prince Will Come,” composed by Frank Churchill and Larry Morey, remain iconic to this day. The film’s monumental success earned Walt Disney an honorary Oscar in 1939—a full-sized statuette accompanied by seven miniatures in honor of the dwarfs.
With so much riding on this live-action reimagining, the stakes for Snow White couldn’t be higher. Whether it reclaims its legendary status or falters under the weight of its controversies, one thing is certain: this film will be remembered as a defining moment in Disney’s modern era.
Snow White premieres on March 21, 2025. Directed by Marc Webb and featuring a screenplay by Erin Cressida Wilson and Greta Gerwig, the cast includes Rachel Zegler, Gal Gadot, Andrew Burnap, Ansu Kabia, and Martin Klebba.
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