Buzz and controversy around the 2025 Snow White film

Few fairytales are as beloved as Snow White, but the upcoming live-action musical version has ignited a storm of controversy. Other movies are playfully reimagining the backstories of famous villains, and this one seems to play it straight with some carefully crafted revisionist tweaks.

The plans to remake the original Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs were confirmed in October 2016, with Erin Cressida Wilson announced as a screenwriter. Snow White premiered at Alcázar of Segovia in Spain on 12 March 2025 and was released in the United States on 21 March 2025 by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

Casting choices under fire

One of the biggest points of contention has been the casting of Snow White. Some traditionalists argue that the character should remain true to the original, while others welcome the fresh take.

Adding fuel to the fire, Zegler’s past comments about the film have resurfaced, where she criticised the original movie’s storyline.

Let’s look at the main cast that has sparked both praise and backlash, with some questioning whether the main character fits the iconic role.

• Rachel Zegler as Snow White
• Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen
• Andrew Burnap as Jonathan

Traditionally, the heroine’s name refers to her skin tone, with her red lips and dark hair. Now, it refers to a snowstorm that accompanied her birth.

In 2025, Snow White had loving parents, the King and Queen, but after her mother’s death, her father became infatuated with a witch. Later, the King disappears from the story, and the script ties itself trying to explain what is supposed to have happened to him and when. The stepmom-witch keeps Snow White in Cinderella style below the stairs, where the child sympathises with the population's poverty.

There are some changes from the original story, as the hero is no longer a prince but rather a more democratic citizen. Some viewers commented the following:

• “I love Rachel Zegler as an actress, but Snow White has a specific look, which doesn’t feel true to the character.”
• “It’s 2025, and people are still upset about diverse casting? Let’s give the movie a chance!”

However, it appears that the film has sparked more negative than positive reactions from fans, judging from its current score on IMDB, which is one of the lowest on the platform. Critics are also not thrilled with the production, giving it a tepid 42% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Plus, despite all the controversy, it managed to bring only around $87 million during its opening weekend with a budget of $240–270 million.

The seven dwarfs debate

Another major issue revolves around the portrayal of the seven dwarfs. The debate around the dwarfs started in 2022. Peter Dinklage, who has a form of dwarfism called achondroplasia, described the decision to retell the story of “seven dwarfs living in a cave” as “backward”.

Early reports suggested that Disney aimed to move away from the classic depiction, which led to mixed reactions. Many fans argued that the dwarfs are an essential part of the fairytale and should not be removed or altered. Disney used computer-generated characters in the movie to avoid reinforcing stereotypes from the original animation.

In July 2023, the production revealed that the depiction of the Seven Dwarfs had been reimagined for the film, which consisted of one actor with dwarfism, along with six other non-dwarf actors of varying ethnicity. The decision to reimagine the characters was criticised on social media as being overly politically correct, as well as taking away acting opportunities from the dwarfism community.

A modern take – But at what cost?

When Disney released Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in 1937, it was the first in history for the U.S., and by being a hit, it proved that audiences wouldn’t just turn up for full-length animations. They embrace them. Disney’s attempt to modernise Snow White has also drawn criticism.

Disney confirmed that the live-action Snow White does not follow the original love story. The movie focuses more on Snow White's journey to become a strong leader, and the role of the Prince has been significantly reduced. For some, this modern take reflects cultural practices and value shifts and gives young audiences a heroine who doesn't rely on romance to find happiness.

Let’s see what some viewers had to say about the modern twist:

• "Not every story needs to be about feminism vs. tradition.”
• "Finally, a Snow White who doesn’t just wait around for a prince to save her!”

The new Snow White has one or two nice musical moments, and Hollywood could, in theory, reinvent Snow White with some passion. Instead, the only decent revival is considered Pablo Berger’s surrealist Blancanieves from 2013.

Fans vs. filmmakers: The never-ending debate

Audiences are torn between the good and the bad, as some welcome innovation, and others feel that classics should remain untouched. The controversy of Snow White highlights the ongoing struggle between artistic reinterpretation and fan expectations.

The debate regarding Snow White is unlikely to die down anytime soon. Will Disney’s vision win over audiences, or is this a fairytale destined for disappointment?

The Key differences between the movie and the original

Warning! Spoilers ahead if you’re planning to watch the new live-action Snow White for yourself. Here are a few of the most prominent differences between the original and the 2025 release.

1. The huntsman gives the Evil Queen a box with an apple

• In the animation, the Evil Queen instructs the huntsman to kill Snow White and bring back her heart in a box. The huntsman tells Snow White to flee and puts the heart of a pig in the box instead.
• In the new movie, the huntsman allows Snow White to escape, and he puts an apple in the box.

2. Snow White has her ambitions, and she is not waiting for her true love

• In the animation, the heroine spends most of the movie daydreaming about her Prince Charming.
• In the new movie, it is clear that Snow White’s destiny is to be a leader who is fearless, fair and brave, and she is not sitting around waiting for her Prince.

3. Snow White and Jonathan have a balanced romance

• Instead of being a prince looking for his dream girl, the two meet in the palace scullery, where Snow White has been instructed to clean. She sees him stealing food for himself and the other bandits, but he is caught by the palace guards.
• While the animated film depicted Snow White being saved by the prince, things are different this time around. Instead, the Evil Queen chains him to the palace gates so that he can freeze to death. Snow White saves him and lets him run free.

4. The Evil Queen’s death

• In the animation, the dwarfs chase the Evil Queen up a cliff. While trying to move a boulder toward the dwarfs to knock them over, a lightning bolt strikes the ledge, and the Evil Queen falls to her death.
• In the movie, the Evil Queen breaks her magic mirror out of anger, disintegrating her on the spot. To finish the scene off, she’s sucked into the mirror as the movie ends.

The boycott

Several anti-Israel Arab organisations have started a digital campaign against the film’s screening in the Arab world. The protest focuses on the actress Gal Gadot, citing her past service in the Israel Defense Force (IDF).

Both Gadot and Zegler have been openly vocal about their political stances, which have caused further controversy for the film.

Republican supporters made another call to boycott in the aftermath of the 2024 United States presidential election, as Zegler posted hate speech against Donald Trump. Zegler issued a public apology, claiming she did not intend any harm and offering a call for peace.