Disney’s live-action Snow White, set to release on March 21, 2025, has been stirring up debates for years.
Since it was first announced in 2016, it has been a major topic of discussion among fans and critics.
Everything from the casting choices to changes in the storyline and the heavy use of CGI has caused even more Disney controversy.
So, let’s take a closer look at why this remake has seen so much not-so-positive buzz and why many people have strong opinions about it.
Key Takeaways
Rachel Zegler, as Snow White, has brought up debates about race, representation, and staying true to the original.
To modernize the narrative, the classic love story is swapped for a focus on leadership and independence.
Using CGI for Snow White’s magical companions instead of traditional dwarves has stirred different reactions.
A Long Road to the Big Screen
Interestingly enough, this live-action adaptation has been around for a long time.
Disney first announced the project in 2016, but production delays, reshoots, and creative hurdles have pushed its release date multiple times.
Now officially slated for March 21, 2025, fans have been left wondering what caused the hold-ups.
Although Disney hasn’t said much, the reshoots and behind-the-scenes tweaks have fueled speculation about challenges with the movie’s direction.
The trailer, finally released on December 3, 2023, gave audiences their first glimpse of the film.
It showcased visually stunning yet CGI-heavy scenes and teased a modern twist on the beloved story.
But instead of settling nerves, the trailer reignited debates that have simmered for years.
Snow White Live-Action Controversy: The Casting
Let’s start with one of the biggest points of contention: the casting of Rachel Zegler as Snow White.
Known for her breakout role in West Side Story, Zegler is of Colombian and Polish descent.
For some, her casting is a refreshing step toward diversity and inclusivity.
For others, it’s a departure from the original Snow White, whose skin was described as “white as snow” in the 1937 animated film and the Brothers Grimm fairy tale.
Zegler responded to the criticism by saying how important representation is.
She called herself a “Latina princess,” proudly sharing her take on the character.
However, as expected, this hasn’t stopped the backlash, as many fans argue that Disney is straying too far from the original portrayal.
A New Take on Snow White
While the live-action Snow White changes the look of its lead—it also flips the script of her story.
Unlike the original film, which focused on Snow White’s quest for true love, this version takes a more modern approach.
Zegler has described her character as a leader-in-the-making as she dreams of becoming the fearless ruler her late father believed she could be.
Romance takes a backseat in this retelling, which prioritizes themes of empowerment and independence.
And since it’s almost a far cry from the original, many people are unhappy about the shift.
Critics say it undermines the charm of the beloved film, with some arguing that it’s okay for female characters to want love and partnership.
Still, others applaud Disney’s efforts to update the story for today’s audiences.
What’s Happening with the Seven Dwarves?
Another big change involves the seven dwarves or the lack thereof.
In this adaptation, the characters have been reimagined as “magical creatures” rendered with CGI.
Disney says the decision was made to avoid perpetuating stereotypes, and they consulted members of the dwarfism community during development.
But the move has gone far from smoothly.
Actor Peter Dinklage, a prominent advocate for representation, called the decision “backwards.”
He pointed out the contradiction of modernizing some aspects of the film while still relying on outdated elements of the original story.
Leaked set photos published by the Daily Mail in July 2023 showed a diverse cast playing Snow White’s companions—varying in gender, ethnicity, and height.
While this highlights Disney’s commitment to inclusivity, the characters’ CGI-heavy look has drawn criticism, with some saying it feels artificial and uninspired.
Gal Gadot as the Wicked Witch
Adding to the controversies, Gal Gadot plays the Wicked Witch, Snow White’s evil stepmother.
Sure, her performance promises to be captivating, but Gadot’s involvement has sparked its own wave of backlash.
As one of the most prominent Israeli actors, Gadot’s appearance in the film has been criticized by some in light of the Israel-Gaza conflict.
The political climate has led to calls for boycotts from individuals who disagree with her public support for Israel.
Now, Disney is in a tough spot, as the backlash spotlights how entertainment and global politics often collide.
Visual Effects Under the Spotlight
If there’s one thing viewers noticed in the trailer, it’s the heavy use of CGI.
From the enchanted forest to the magical creatures, the film leans heavily on visual effects to bring its world to life.
While some appreciate the ambitious visuals, others feel the CGI looks overly artificial.
The animated Snow White is cherished for its artistry, but critics argue that the remake loses some of its charm by relying so heavily on computer-generated imagery.
And it’s not the first time we’ve seen Disney backlash over CGI.
Remember the uproar over Sonic’s design in Sonic the Hedgehog?
After the fan outcry, the studio redesigned the character, which clearly shows that audiences hold strong opinions about visual authenticity.
A Hotbed of Online Culture Wars
Films like The Little Mermaid and Mulan have faced similar criticism for their modernized storytelling and diverse casting.
Some critics label these remakes as “woke” and accuse Disney of prioritizing political correctness over storytelling.
Others argue that these updates are necessary for the films to resonate with today’s audiences.
Either way, Snow White has become another battleground in the ongoing debate about inclusivity in entertainment.
Will Snow White Be a Hit?
The real question is whether Disney can overcome all these debates and deliver a movie that connects with audiences.
Considering their history with live-action remakes has been hit or miss, it’s going to be a gamble.
Movies like The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast have done incredibly well at the box office, while others, like Dumbo and Pinocchio, didn’t leave much of a mark.
Critics often accuse Disney of relying too much on nostalgia without adding enough new ideas.
Thus, with Snow White, Disney is trying to balance respecting the original while also giving it a modern twist.
Will it succeed? We’ll find out on March 21, 2025, when the movie finally hits theaters.
No matter how it’s received, it’s already shaping up to be one of the most talked-about releases in years.
So, mark your calendars—it will be a fascinating moment in cinema.
Luke David
Luke is a writer of many mediums with over 7 years of experience, specializing in copywriting, content writing, and screenwriting. Based in Malaysia, his passion for storytelling began at a young age, fueled by fantastical tales and his love for the horror genre. What began as a hobby then blossomed into a diverse writing career, encompassing poetry, songs, screenplays, and now engaging articles.
Luke's work has appeared in notable outlets like MovieWeb, Certified Forgotten, High On Films, and Signal Horizon. His talent for crafting compelling narratives has been recognized by being a Semifinalist at The Script Lab's 2019 TSL Free Screenplay Contest, placing his work among the top 3% of over 5,500 entries.
