Snow White has been my favorite Disney princess ever since I watched the original film at the tender age of three. I was borderline obsessed—I owned everything from Snow White sweaters, to dresses, blankets and bed sheets. But my most cherished possession was a pair of yellow Snow White flip-flops in which I paraded around my house and the streets of Medellín all day as if they were designer shoes.
So, when Disney announced back in 2021 that a live-action remake was in the works, I was ecstatic. The news that Rachel Zegler would portray Snow White sent me over the moon. Discovering that an actress with a Colombian mother would play my beloved princess made my inner child extremely happy. It was so magical to know that someone who looked like me and shared my heritage would take on this iconic role, showing me, and all the other Latinas, why representation truly matters.
That being said, getting the movie to theaters was no fairytale. Rachel Zegler faced a lot of backlash over her casting, with people online questioning the choice of a Latina actress for the role. Much like Halle Bailey’s casting as Ariel in “The Little Mermaid,” debates about authenticity, tradition, and race started across social media. Zegler addressed the criticism by trying to take on a positive view of the situation, interpreting it as a sign of the people’s deep connection to the original film. In an interview for Vogue Mexico she said, “I interpret people’s sentiments towards this film as passion. What an honour to be a part of something that people feel so passionately about.”
Then, there was a whole lot more drama with Rachel Zegler’s comments about the original Snow White movie. She called it “dated” and even said the prince “literally stalks” Snow White. Those comments sparked a lot of debates about whether she even liked the original film and if she was the right fit for the role. I felt a little disappointed, especially since I’ve always held Snow White so close. Personally, it kind of made me wonder if Rachel truly connected with the character and what she represents. Snow White is all about kindness, compassion, and living a life of empathy. I couldn’t help but feel like Zegler didn’t fully understand those values. I guess I just wanted to believe that the actress playing such an iconic character would see her with the same love and respect I always had. But at the same time, I tried to look past it because, you know, people are allowed to have different views, and the movie could still be good despite that.
After all of these controversies and delays, the film finally premiered on March 21, 2025. Obviously, I attended on opening night, just before returning to Grier. Walking into the theater, my expectations were very low, but surprisingly, the film exceeded them. It wasn’t a cinematic masterpiece, but it wasn’t the disaster I had anticipated either.
Disney’s recent trend of live-action remakes, like “The Lion King,” “The Little Mermaid,” and the upcoming “Lilo & Stitch,” have had mixed reactions. Some people appreciate them and see them as a way to re-visit their childhood–others don’t. While I appreciate a well executed remake, I think that perhaps it’s time for Disney to invest in original ideas rather than reimagining all of their classics.
From the start, the musical aspect of the film felt a little much. The original “Snow White” had its songs, but this version really went all in on the musical vibe, and honestly, it felt somewhat excessive. The movie also strayed from the original storyline in some pretty noticeable ways. For example, in the original, the Huntsman can’t bring himself to kill Snow White, so instead he kills a deer and gives the Evil Queen its heart. But in this new version, he brings back an apple instead, which felt unnecessary. I get that Disney wanted to make it less violent and more family-friendly, but changing it like this just didn’t seem like the right way to do it.
Another significant change was the reimagining of the prince. Instead of actually being a prince, he was portrayed as Jonathan, a common villager and rival–not the prince we remember. This change felt unnecessary, and I personally feel like it was detached from the original film’s charm. I’m all for Disney creating stronger female leads and moving away from the damsel-in-distress trope. It’s important. But I also think there’s value in embracing femininity, and wanting to be saved from time to time doesn’t make a character any less strong. It’s not about needing a prince; it’s about choosing to let one in. There’s power in choice. Strength and softness can exist at the same time.
The casting choices for this film also sparked a heated discussion. While I was fine with Zegler and Gal Gadot’s performances, the casting for the seven dwarfs was so incredibly controversial. Disney opted for creating the dwarfs using CGI, with only one of the voice actors involved, Martin Klebba (Doc), actually having dwarfism. This decision overlooked the many talented actors with dwarfism who constantly enter the world of Hollywood. It’s hypocritical of Disney to claim diversity, inclusivity, and representation as their main goal for these live-action remakes, and then missing out on the opportunity for authentic representation of dwarfism.
In contrast, the 2012 film “Mirror Mirror,” starring Lily Collins and Julia Roberts, took creative liberties with the Snow White story, but they were transparent about its changes. Furthermore, they casted actors with dwarfism for the roles, showcasing their true commitment to representation. Disney, on the other hand, claimed that they would stay true to the original while making noticeable changes that felt unnecessary.
That being said, the film had its own charms. The set design was exceptional, especially the construction of the seven dwarfs’ house, which had the same whimsical charm of the original movie. The foley work and editing were also praiseworthy, as they enhanced the film’s overall aesthetic. Zegler’s portrayal of Snow White was heartfelt and much more than what I had expected; it truly captured the character’s essence. Gal Gadot’s performance as the Evil Queen, however, left me wanting more. It lacked the depth and menace I had wanted, and it just didn’t hit the spot.
In the theater, as the movie rolled and the story unfolded, I was reminded of why Snow White resonated with me as a child, and still does to this day. Her unwavering kindness and belief in ruling through compassion were themes that I had seen as a child, and this adaptation emphasized them much more than the original. The film delved deeper into Snow White’s values, portraying her strength as rooted in kindness and authenticity. This exploration of her character was my highlight of the movie. I loved seeing how they showcased the power in embracing one’s true self.
While the film had its shortcomings and inaccuracies, it wasn’t without merit. It’s essential to watch it with the understanding that it’s a reimagining, not a scene-by-scene recreation of the original. For those expecting a real adaptation that’s faithful to the story, this might not be the film for you. However, if you’re open to a fresh take on a classic tale, it offers a lot of moments of genuine emotion.
Disney’s live-action remakes have definitely done a better job at giving their princesses more depth. We’ve seen Aurora embrace her femininity in “Maleficent,” Cinderella shows her strength through grace, and Ariel chases her own identity. This version of Snow White follows that path too; it reminds us that kindness isn’t a weakness. It’s actually one of her strongest traits.
In conclusion, while this “Snow White” may not surpass adaptations like “Mirror Mirror” in my mind, it’s a film worth watching. It rekindled my affection for the character I’ve loved for so many years and reminded me of the values she embodies. Snow White’s story has always been a beacon of kindness and compassion, guiding me since childhood. This film, despite its flaws, honors that legacy and reaffirms the timeless message that true strength lies in kindness.