“Snow White” Hits a Disastrous Note: A Review of Disney’s Latest Film
By: Rachel Meatte
“Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?” This timeless question resonates painfully in the wake of Disney’s latest attempt at a live-action classic. Sadly, critics and fans alike would argue that the answer is definitely **not “Snow White.”** From its inception, this film has been plagued by controversy, igniting debates that overshadow the fairy tale it sought to revive.
Controversy from the Start: Casting Decisions Under Scrutiny
The casting of **Rachel Zegler** as the enchanting Snow White has proven to be a polarizing choice. As a Latinx actress stepping into a role traditionally portrayed by a white character, Zegler faced a barrage of criticism upon the film’s announcement in 2023. Skeptics claimed that Disney’s decision to cast Zegler was a blatant misstep. In response, Zegler boldly stated in a now-deleted post, “yes I am Snow White, no I am not bleaching my skin for the role.” This moment marked the beginning of a **tumultuous journey** that would mar the film’s reputation well into its release.
Pressure from Past Adaptations
Disney’s struggles with adaptations are not new. While films like **“Cinderella” (2015)** and **“Mufasa: The Lion King” (2024)** have notable successes, others like **“Mulan”** have tanked—grossing only $69.9 million against a $200 million budget. With a history of mixed results surrounding their reboots, Disney’s latest endeavor was met with skepticism from the very beginning, especially regarding its reimagining of the seven dwarves.
Criticism from Every Angle
In 2022, actor **Peter Dinklage**, renowned for his role in “Game of Thrones,” lambasted the decision to retain the seven dwarves in a form that perpetuated outdated stereotypes. He commented, “It makes no sense to me. You’re progressive in one way, but then you’re still making that f****** backward story about seven dwarves living in a cave together?” Disney ultimately decided to reframe these characters as magical creatures instead, yet the damage was done.
The original 1937 film, rooted in Brothers Grimm folklore, carries with it several **problematic stereotypes**, particularly concerning the portrayal of dwarves. The filmmakers aimed to make a progressive version while navigating the complexities of its historical context, but their attempts only seemed to amplify the scrutiny surrounding the film.
Adding Fuel to the Fire
As if the casting debates weren’t enough, Zegler sparked further outrage when she suggested that the prince in the original film was akin to a stalker during an interview with **Extra**. Her statement ignited a storm of backlash, with many calling her comments a PR disaster for Disney. “Weird! Weird!” she declared, illustrating how public perceptions of romantic narratives have radically shifted since 1937.
The Political Climate’s Impact
Both Zegler and her co-star **Gal Gadot** found themselves in the political spotlight outside of the film’s narrative. After the **Hamas attack on Israel** on October 7, 2023, Gadot, a former member of the Israeli military, spoke out against the violence on social media. Conversely, Zegler’s **tweets supporting Palestine** further polarized audience opinions, leading to a firestorm of backlash, especially among conservative commentators.
With Zegler’s comments coming across as incendiary, she later issued an **apology**, explaining that her remarks were driven by deep emotions. Yet, this turmoil contributed to a growing narrative that would ultimately overshadow the film’s marketing efforts.
Box Office Catastrophe and Fan Backlash
The release of **“Snow White”** has become **Disney’s lowest-selling Princess film** ever, accumulating dismal ratings of just **1.6/10 on IMDb** and **40% on Rotten Tomatoes**. Critics point to a **combination of subpar CGI**, poor storytelling, and failed attempts at modernization—resulting in a story that neither captivates nor respects its roots.
The newly reimagined Snow White, meant to be an empowering character, instead presents as a underdeveloped heroine who lacks agency. While elements are added to make her more independent, the narrative fails to elevate her character beyond her original depiction as a damsel in distress.
A Broader Reflection on Hollywood’s Creative Exhaustion
The **remake fatigues** sweeping through Hollywood have raised critical questions about originality in current filmmaking trends. As audiences become increasingly disillusioned with reboots, studios like Disney and Marvel continue to lean on established franchises rather than fund innovative stories—the result being a film industry muddled in repetition and missing the vital spark that once made **Disney** a pioneer of animated storytelling.
Ultimately, as this version of **“Snow White”** flops in theaters, one must wonder whether original content and compelling narratives are being sacrificed on the altar of nostalgia and profit. If you still wish to see **“Snow White”**, it’s currently screening in theaters near you. But perhaps it’s worth pondering—as we move further into the future, will authentic stories eventually make a comeback, or will remakes continue to reign supreme?
