As anticipation builds for Disney’s upcoming live-action adaptation of Snow White, the film has encountered significant fan backlash despite its official confirmation and a new trailer release.
Walt Disney’s original Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, released in 1937, revolutionized animation as the first full-length Technicolor film. The story of Snow White, whose beauty incites her stepmother, the Evil Queen, to madness, captured hearts with its innovative animation and memorable characters. The film’s remarkable box office success, grossing an adjusted $1.2 billion, helped cement Disney’s reputation as an animation powerhouse.
The legacy of Snow White continues with the 2025 live-action remake, directed by Marc Webb. This new version, featuring Rachel Zegler as Snow White and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, was prominently showcased at Disney’s D23 Expo in Anaheim. The event, known for revealing Disney and Pixar’s future projects, also highlighted upcoming sequels like Frozen 3 and Zootopia 2, and a new Incredibles 3.
Despite the excitement at the expo, the new Snow White trailer has been met with a wave of criticism. The trailer, which features scenes reminiscent of the original animated film, was poorly received online, with a stark contrast between 735,000 downvotes and 69,000 upvotes.
The backlash stems from several controversies surrounding the film. Critics have voiced concerns over Zegler’s casting as Snow White, which has sparked debates about diversity and representation. Similar to the controversy surrounding Halle Bailey’s casting as Ariel in The Little Mermaid (2023), Zegler’s role has been polarizing, with some applauding the inclusivity and others arguing it deviates from the original character’s portrayal.
Additionally, actor Peter Dinklage criticized Disney’s handling of the seven dwarfs, alleging the studio’s portrayal could perpetuate outdated stereotypes. In response, Disney has promised a more sensitive approach, presenting the dwarfs as “magical creatures.”
Despite these issues, Disney remains committed to the film’s release. According to the recent Q3 shareholder presentation, Disney’s Snow White is slated for March 21, 2025, and will be part of a notable lineup including Captain America: Brave New World and Avatar: Fire and Ash. The film will feature music by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, with the classic song “Whistle While You Work” included in the soundtrack.
As Disney continues to navigate the controversies, the live-action Snow White remains one of the most anticipated, yet divisive, adaptations in recent memory.
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