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Snow White’s story has been part of cultural lore for centuries, gaining prominence after the Brothers Grimm published it in their influential 1812 fairy tale collection. Hollywood has repeatedly sought to reinterpret this timeless tale. Silent films featuring Snow White emerged as early as 1902 and 1916, well ahead of Disney’s groundbreaking animated classic, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, which debuted in 1937 and set a standard for how the character is represented in popular culture.
In addition to Disney’s iconic version, several alternate adaptations have been produced over the years, including some unconventional takes like Snow White and the Three Stooges in 1961. Notably, 2012 saw the release of two major films that reimagined the story: Mirror, Mirror and Snow White and the Huntsman. While Mirror, Mirror, featuring Lily Collins as Snow White and Julia Roberts as the wicked queen, garnered $183 million globally, Snow White and the Huntsman stood out as a significant success, pulling in $396.6 million. Directed by Rupert Sanders, this version aimed for a feminist angle, casting Kristen Stewart as Snow White, Chris Hemsworth as the Huntsman, and Charlize Theron as the malevolent queen, Ravenna. The enthusiasm from Universal Pictures led the studio to consider franchise potential.
With the recent launch of Disney’s live-action remake of Snow White, there is renewed interest in revisiting Snow White and the Huntsman to assess its relevance today.
The evolution of the Huntsman
At the time of this film, Hemsworth had recently gained fame as Marvel’s Thor. His portrayal of Eric, the Huntsman, adds a depth to the character, depicting him as a grieving widower battling his own demons. Unlike the original narrative, Eric is given a sympathetic arc; he initially follows the queen’s orders to kill Snow White but ultimately chooses to protect her. In a significant departure from traditional roles, he mentors Snow White in combat, fostering a father-daughter relationship that empowers her.
This dynamic allows Snow White to evolve into a proactive heroine, actively participating in challenging the tyranny of her stepmother, Ravenna.
Stewart’s transition beyond Twilight
When Snow White and the Huntsman was released in May 2012, Stewart was primarily recognized for her role as Bella in the Twilight franchise, with one final film remaining to debut. This film served as a litmus test of her box-office appeal independent of costar Robert Pattinson.
While Snow White and the Huntsman received a generally favorable reception, Stewart found herself at the center of criticism. Although her performance was less refined compared to her subsequent work, some critiques appeared to reflect broader sentiments about Twilight. Stewart received the Razzie for Worst Actress due to her role in both Snow White and the Huntsman and The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2, yet she also secured a Teen Choice Award for this project, suggesting that younger audiences were more receptive to her portrayal.
Controversies surrounding the dwarves
Disney’s current adaptation has faced scrutiny regarding its interpretation of dwarves, who have been depicted with animated heads. Snow White and the Huntsman encountered similar backlash as it featured standard-size actors digitally altered to portray dwarf characters. This decision drew protests from the Little People of America.
Despite the controversy, the casting of the dwarves in this film was notable, including Bob Hoskins in his final performance as Muir, a blind dwarf with foresight, and Ian McShane as Beith, their leader. The ensemble also featured Ray Winstone, Nick Frost, Toby Jones, Eddie Marsan, Johnny Harris, and Brian Gleeson. While the dwarves significantly contributed to Snow White’s journey as a hero, their roles did not overshadow her story.
The critical response
The reception of Snow White and the Huntsman was mixed, illustrated by a 48 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which is consistent with the score for the new Disney remake. However, some critics offered high praise for both Stewart’s and Theron’s performances. The renowned critic Roger Ebert remarked that the film managed to reinvent the classic tale, describing it as “visually stunning and imaginative.” He noted the unexpected depth it brought to the narrative.
Richard Roeper, Ebert’s former co-host, deemed Theron’s portrayal of the evil queen as superior to Roberts’ take in Mirror, Mirror, while acknowledging Stewart’s fierceness, even with minor accent struggles. Meanwhile, A.O. Scott from The New York Times praised the film for its serious approach to dark themes, highlighting an aesthetic filled with menace and magic.
Although Snow White and the Huntsman garnered Academy Award nominations for Best Visual Effects and Best Costume Design, it ultimately did not win any Oscars.
The franchise’s decline
Shortly after the film’s release, a scandal emerged involving Stewart and director Sanders, leading to public apologies and the end of their respective relationships. Both individuals chose not to return for the sequel, The Huntsman: Winter’s War, released in 2016. Despite a star-studded cast that included Emily Blunt and Jessica Chastain, the sequel struggled at the box office, bringing in only $165 million. The convoluted script and awkward justifications for Snow White’s absence hindered the film’s success, effectively quashing any potential for a franchise continuation.
Nonetheless, Snow White and the Huntsman briefly carved its own path apart from Disney’s narrative, representing a unique take on the beloved story that has yet to be replicated in subsequent adaptations.
Should you revisit it?
For those considering a rewatch of Snow White and the Huntsman before watching Disney’s latest adaptation, it could be illuminating—if it were available on popular streaming services. Currently, viewing options seem limited, but platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV+ offer rentals. If interested, it’s worth exploring this unique interpretation of the legendary tale.
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