Snow White (2025): A Fairytale Reimagined Amid Controversy

Public Perception Before Release

Since its announcement, Disney’s decision to cast Rachel Zegler, a Latina actress, as Snow White sparked divided opinions. Some praised the inclusivity, seeing Zegler’s casting as a modern update that reflects broader cultural representation. Others, however, criticized the choice, arguing it strayed too far from the fairytale’s origins, particularly as Zegler does not fit the literal "snow-white" description of the character. Zegler responded by emphasizing Snow White’s global appeal and the honor she felt in portraying her.

Trailers further fueled debate, revealing a significant shift in Snow White’s story. Instead of focusing on finding love, the film’s Snow White aspires to become a strong leader. Zegler openly called the original 1937 version “dated,” noting the passive role the character once played. Supporters welcomed the feminist direction, while others lamented the move away from the classic love story. Online discussions became highly polarized, with some accusing Disney of being “too woke” and others defending the fresh narrative.

Major Controversies

One of the film’s most contentious points was how it handled the Seven Dwarfs. Actor Peter Dinklage, who has dwarfism, criticized Disney for revisiting what he saw as a “backward story” that perpetuated stereotypes. Disney initially responded by reimagining the dwarfs as a diverse group of magical characters, which drew criticism from within the dwarf community itself. Actors like Jason "Wee Man" Acuña argued that Disney should have cast actors with dwarfism, not removed the roles altogether. Ultimately, Disney pivoted and opted to feature CGI versions of the Seven Dwarfs resembling the original animated characters, a move that received mixed reactions.

Political controversies also surfaced when the film's stars took opposing stances on Israel and Palestine. Gal Gadot, who plays the Evil Queen, expressed strong pro-Israel views as she has served in the IDF, while Zegler showed continuous support for Palestine on social media. This sharp divide between the two actresses made press tours awkward and eliminated any chance of genuine chemistry between co-stars. Additionally, it added another layer of public scrutiny, especially as protests emerged around their appearances.

Premiere Events

The film's promotional strategy reflected Disney’s cautious approach. Rather than a London premiere, Disney hosted a glamorous European gala at Spain’s Alcázar of Segovia, paying homage to the castle said to have inspired the original Snow White castle.

In Hollywood, the premiere at El Capitan Theatre was notably scaled back. No major press interviews or fan interactions were permitted; only official photographers covered the event. Disney did not comment on this decision, though many interpreted it as a move to avoid controversy. Despite the subdued setting, stars Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot appeared united, posing together for photos. Zegler dazzled in a pink gown with butterfly details, while Gadot sported a bold black lace ensemble.

First Impressions: A Divided Reception

Initial audience reactions at the premieres leaned positive, with many praising Zegler’s vocals and her modern, assertive portrayal of Snow White. Social media buzz highlighted the film’s visuals and musical numbers, calling it a "visual feast."

Critics, however, offered more divided opinions. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of around 47%, and a Metacritic score of 47/100 reflects similarly mixed reviews.

Positive reviews commended Zegler’s performance, the film’s production design, and its effort to give the princess a more active role. Variety described Zegler as a “shining supernova” and lauded the film’s ambitions. IGN even called it “the best Disney live-action remake in a decade,” praising the balance between honoring the classic and modernizing its themes.

On the flip side, The Guardian and other outlets criticized the remake for being overly cautious and cluttered. Some felt the updated storyline, which removed the traditional Prince Charming character and introduced a new partner named Jonathan, lost the fairytale simplicity and emotional warmth of the original. Others derided the CGI dwarfs as visually jarring. Several reviewers accused Disney of trying too hard to appeal to contemporary audiences, resulting in a film that feels muddled. 

Final Thoughts

Disney’s Snow White (2025) stands as one of the most debated live-action adaptations to date. The film’s pre-release controversies over casting, representation, creative changes, and the personal politics of its stars fueled months of public discussion. Now that it’s in theaters, early responses reflect that division. For some, the movie represents a progressive reimagining of a classic tale; for others, it exemplifies how far Disney has strayed from its original magic.

Regardless of where opinions fall, one thing is clear: Snow White’s latest iteration has become more than a fairytale—it’s a cultural flashpoint, sparking conversations about tradition, progress, and storytelling in today’s Hollywood.