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Disney’s most recent live-action adaptation, Snow White, featuring Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, debuted in theaters last week and has faced considerable backlash. With a mere 42% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it stands as one of the lowest-rated remakes in Disney’s recent portfolio, marking a disappointing milestone for Zegler’s career. While some may suggest that critics are too harsh on reboots, this rendition of Snow White appears to warrant its poor reception.
The challenges presented in the film extend beyond it being another unnecessary remake. Snow White fails to encompass the enchanting essence of the original story, misjudges contemporary updates, and allocates a substantial production budget towards questionable artistic choices. From an ineffectual attempt at revamping a cherished classic to its jarring CGI representation of dwarfs, the film exemplifies the pitfalls of poorly executed fairy tale reinterpretation. Its underwhelming ratings signal that Snow White serves as a cautionary reminder for Disney’s live-action adaptations.
Release Date
March 21, 2025
Runtime
109 Minutes
Director
Marc Webb
Writers
Erin Cressida Wilson, Wilhelm Grimm
Producers
Callum McDougall, Marc Platt
‘Snow White’ Is a Hollow Attempt at Modernization
Disney’s initiative with the Snow White remake aimed for a modern, relevant, and empowering retelling of the classic 1937 animated film. However, rather than seamlessly adapting the original narrative, the film diverges significantly from the source material, creating an experience that feels alien to both fans and newcomers alike. Zegler’s portrayal of Snow White strays from the characteristic gentle, kind-hearted princess who captivates with her innocence and hopefulness.
Despite these attributes being somewhat present, the remake primarily portrays Snow White as a capable, independent leader. This depiction may resonate positively in the current cultural context, but it also signifies a disregard for the fundamental qualities that have made the character cherished for nearly 100 years.
Zegler contributed to the controversy in interviews, labeling the original movie as “dated” and asserting that Snow White should not be depicted as a character who waits for love. While the motives behind modernizing the tale are justifiable, the manner of execution appears forced and dismissive of the legacy that has established Snow White as a timeless figure. As a result, the film feels less like an organic evolution of the story and more like an agenda-driven lecture, robbing the new Snow White of its charm and enchantment. Audiences are thus left with a protagonist that feels out of place in her own narrative.
The CGI Dwarfs Were a Misstep for ‘Snow White’
A significant error in Disney’s approach to Snow White was the replacement of the beloved seven dwarfs with CGI-generated characters. This decision stemmed from a desire to avoid perpetuating outdated stereotypes, but the outcome has been largely criticized. The new CGI characters lack the warmth and individuality that endeared the original dwarfs to audiences, instead appearing awkward and disjointed.
The controversy ignited long before the film’s release; actor Peter Dinklage expressed discontent about returning to the story of the seven dwarfs, prompting Disney to seek alternate representation. However, this choice yielded characters that feel more suited for a video game than as real companions to Snow White. Dinklage conveyed his thoughts in a discussion with Marc Maron:
“Literally no offense to anything, but I was sort of taken aback. They were very proud to cast a Latino actress as Snow White, but you’re still telling the story of ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.’ Take a step back and look at what you’re doing there. It makes no sense to me. You’re progressive in one way, but you’re still making that f*****g backward story about seven dwarfs living in a cave together. Have I done nothing to advance the cause from my soapbox? I guess I’m not loud enough.”
Disney’s choices have ultimately resulted in the dwarfs feeling disconnected from the overall live-action ensemble. Rather than being the film’s heart, the dwarfs, once integral to the charm of Snow White, now come off as a poorly executed addition. Viewer backlash reinforces that this alteration was unnecessary and detrimental to the film’s appeal. Critic Tara Brady of the Irish Times remarked:
“The most distracting flaws are rooted in the problematic re-creation of animated material … The permanent magic-hour lighting is hard to look at. Worst of all, the decision to ‘cartoonise’ the dwarves alongside human actors is hugely problematic.”
‘Snow White’ Squanders a Lavish Production Budget
With a staggering production budget estimated between $240 million and $270 million, there were high expectations for Snow White. However, the film does not deliver the visual elegance and enchantment that typically befits a Disney blockbuster, failing to make good use of the substantial investment. The final product emerges as uninspired and unconvincing, lacking the magical atmosphere that defined the original.
For reference, 2017’s Beauty and the Beast had a smaller budget yet provided stunning visuals, sophisticated costumes, and captivating musical sequences that honored its animated counterpart. In contrast, Snow White appears to have wasted its considerable resources on excessive CGI and misguided modernization attempts without enhancing the story’s foundational elements. The film’s disappointing $42.4 million opening weekend symbolizes the audience’s lack of enthusiasm. When a studio allocates significant funds to a project, viewers rightfully expect to feel justified in their investment. Unfortunately, Snow White falls short of that expectation.
The 2025 iteration of Snow White illustrates that nostalgia alone cannot carry a film. Genuine respect for the original narrative, thoughtful storytelling, and effective creative choices are essential. This remake of Snow White has regrettably failed to meet these criteria, resulting in a Rotten Tomatoes score that reflects its shortcomings. Snow White is currently showing in theaters.
Source
movieweb.com