Disney’s upcoming live-action adaptation of Snow White is nearly here, and just days ahead of its theatrical release, the studio has unveiled a pivotal scene that alters a major moment from the 1937 animated film. The clip, titled “I Feel They Need Some Kindness,” was shared by IGN (@IGN) and showcases a rare interaction between Snow White and the Evil Queen in her true form—a departure from the original, in which the two never meet face-to-face outside of the queen’s disguise.
The new sequence provides additional context for the famous poisoned apple moment, reinforcing why Snow White ultimately places her trust in the disguised queen–because her parents used to deliver apple pies to the kingdom. As Disney leans into new storytelling elements, the movie’s ability to win over audiences remains in question.
From its inception, Snow White has been the subject of intense debate. Directed by Marc Webb and penned by Barbie filmmaker Greta Gerwig alongside Erin Cressida Wilson (The Girl on the Train), the film diverges from its animated predecessor, portraying Snow White as a self-sufficient heroine uninterested in waiting for a prince.
Zegler’s past remarks reinforcing this shift have fueled criticism, with many fans arguing that the modern update dismisses core aspects of the classic story. Acknowledging the backlash, Zegler has noted that much of it stems from the deep emotional connection viewers have with the original film. With the live-action version debuting a year later than initially planned, its reception remains uncertain.
With a reported production budget nearing $300 million (*via* Forbes), Snow White is a major financial gamble for Disney. However, early projections estimate a domestic opening of around $53 million—a figure that, while not disastrous, falls short of expectations for a high-profile remake. Even Zegler and Gadot’s joint appearance at the Oscars failed to generate significant enthusiasm, leaving questions about the film’s potential impact.
Concerns extend beyond box office predictions, as the movie’s reimagined characters, including the depiction of the seven dwarfs and the absence of a traditional prince, continue to divide audiences.
Among the biggest changes is the introduction of Jonathan, portrayed by Andrew Burnap, who takes the place of the original prince. Despite his presence in promotional materials, little has been revealed about his character, fueling speculation about his role in the story.
Director Marc Webb shed light on the inspiration behind Jonathan, pointing to previously abandoned story elements from Walt Disney’s archives. “One sketch that didn't make it into the original film—about the Prince being held in the dungeon—really stuck with me,” Webb shared (via The Direct). “It was a storyline that Walt never got to complete to his satisfaction. So, in a sense, Jonathan was our effort to pick up where he left off.”
Although Zegler’s past comments suggest a shift away from romance, Webb’s statements hint at a more nuanced approach. “We've been careful to preserve the iconography of Snow White that we love while also exploring Snow White's romance and romantic relationship a bit more deeply,” he added.
Burnap, best known for Under the Banner of Heaven, elaborated on his character’s motivations. “Jonathan finds himself quite disillusioned with the power structures of the world he lives in and is part of a certain resistance to those power structures,” he explained. “When we meet him, he is just looking for a reason to find a sense of fight in himself again, that sense of hope that seems to be missing from the world.”
In addition to Zegler, Gadot, and Burnap, the cast includes Ansu Kabia as the Huntsman, Jeremy Swift as Doc, Andrew Barth Feldman as Dopey, Tituss Burgess as Bashful, George Salazar as Happy, Martin Klebba as Grumpy, Andy Grotelueschen as Sleepy, and Jason Kravits as Sneezy.
With just a short time left before Snow White makes its theatrical debut, Disney is under pressure to prove that this reimagining will resonate with audiences. Whether it finds favor or faces resistance, fans will soon have the chance to judge for themselves when the film opens on March 21, 2025.
Do you think Disney’s Snow White is making the right changes? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
