Disney has released the full trailer for its live-action Snow White, and the reactions are rolling in. The film stars Rachel Zegler (West Side Story) as the titular princess and Gal Gadot (Wonder Woman) as the Evil Queen. Take a look above.
A Retelling with a Modern Approach
Directed by Marc Webb (The Amazing Spider-Man), this new version of Snow White revisits the familiar story of a princess fleeing the Evil Queen and seeking refuge with seven dwarfs. However, the tone and focus have shifted. Snow White is no longer a passive character waiting for her prince. Instead, she’s depicted as a leader, rallying allies to reclaim her kingdom.
The trailer hints at this change, with Snow White boldly facing the Queen and declaring, “This is our kingdom, and now we’re here to take it back.” While the poisoned apple and other iconic elements remain, this retelling looks to distance itself from the original’s emphasis on romance.
Rachel Zegler has openly discussed these updates, describing the original story as outdated and emphasising that their version focuses on giving Snow White a purpose beyond waiting for “her prince to come.” While some audiences have embraced this fresh take, others feel it diminishes the charm of the 1937 film, sparking heated debates online. Which brings us to…
Some of the Controversies Surrounding Snow White
Intense discussions surround most, if not all of, Disney’s live-action remakes. Snow White, however, appears to be quite the pot stirrer.
- Zegler’s Remarks Stir Debate
Zegler’s comments about the original film have become a lightning rod for criticism. She described certain elements of the 1937 story, such as the romantic subplot, as “weird” and reflective of its time. She also dismissed the idea of the new film being too politically correct, asserting that such updates were necessary. While her remarks resonated with audiences looking for a more progressive take, they also alienated fans who feel the original deserved more respect.
“The original cartoon came out in 1937 and very evidently so,” Zegler said during an interview at the 2022 D23 Expo. “There’s a big focus on her love story with a guy who literally stalks her… Weird! Weird. We didn’t do that this time… We have a different approach to what I’m sure a lot of people will assume is a love story just because we cast a guy in the movie.”
These statements, combined with her casting as Snow White, have further divided opinions. While supporters see the changes as a step forward, detractors view them as unnecessary departures from the character’s traditional depiction.
- A Controversial Take on the Dwarfs
The portrayal of the seven dwarfs has also been a flashpoint. Following actor Peter Dinklage’s criticism of outdated stereotypes, Disney initially considered reimagining the characters as diverse human companions. However, after further backlash, the studio opted to depict them as CGI characters closely resembling their animated counterparts. Of course, count that as another decision that’s drawn mixed responses — some fans appreciated the nod to the original designs, while others, including members of the dwarfism community, criticised it as a missed opportunity for authentic representation.
- Criticism from a Disney Insider
David Hand, son of the co-director of the original animated Snow White, has voiced his disapproval of the remake, calling it “insulting” and suggesting his father and Walt Disney would be “turning in their graves.” His remarks have added weight to the voices questioning whether Disney’s remakes honour their classic films or unnecessarily overhaul them.
- Political Divides Add to the Backlash
Off-screen controversies involving the cast have further fuelled the conversation. Zegler’s outspoken criticism of Donald Trump and Gadot’s vocal support for Israel have drawn criticism from opposing sides of the political spectrum, leading to calls for boycotts. These political tensions have only added to the film’s divisive reception.
Online Reactions and Trailer Reception
The trailer itself has seen polarised reactions. On Disney’s official YouTube channel, the trailer has amassed (at the time of writing this article) over 194,000 dislikes compared to roughly 16,000 likes, with comments highlighting issues such as the CGI effects, perceived “political correctness,” and deviations from the original story. Whether this online backlash represents a vocal minority or a broader sentiment remains to be seen.
Snow White’s Release Dates
Snow White is set to open in Australian cinemas on 20 March, 2025, with US and UK releases following on 21 March.
