Let’s face it. Disney is running out of ideas. When given the chance to create a well-rounded, live-action version of Snow White (the all-time classic that launched Disney’s animated legacy), they still managed to miss the mark. Released on March 21st, the remake sparked far more controversy than praise.
Let’s start with the casting. Rachel Zegler has a powerful voice indeed, yet it also stands in sharp contrast to the soft, delicate tones of the original Snow White. Having her belt out an entire song is a complete shift in original character, making the audience wonder if this was truly an attempt at a remake or a contorted nightmare of the 1937 classic. Zegler’s controversial interviews and social media posts added fuel to early criticism, as many viewers derided the casting before the film was even released.
Disney’s marketing only added to the frustration. Claiming the film was “one of the best live-action remakes of recent years” felt disingenuous to the CGI novice. With a whopping $250 million budget, viewers expected breathtaking visuals, stunning costuming, and powerful storytelling. Instead, we got oddly styled wigs, Party City outfits, and CGI that felt more unsettling than magical. For a “live-action” film, it relied heavily on artificial effects, making the fantasy feel far from authentic.
And the numbers speak for themselves. Earning only $42 million at the box office, the film fell far short of expectations. Critics weren’t kind either. With a 40% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s clear the audience was left unimpressed.
Story wise, the premise showed initial promise, the plot ran dry far too soon. According to Zegler, the director took a “new approach,” where Snow White didn’t need a prince. This shift in the story arc is unnecessary because it overlooks the kind of strength the original character already displayed. Her strength shouldn’t be bound by archetypal masculinity, as Snow White, originally written, is incredibly tenacious. As a young girl, she escapes her stepmother’s cruelty, survives in the wild, and builds a new life for herself. She finds safety, creates community, and stays kind-hearted despite years of isolation, betrayal, and fear. Her quiet resilience is a strength often overlooked. A reward at the end is a prince who truly loves her. This is not her reason for living, but a well-earned moment of joy after years of hardship.
Disney needs to step it up. If they continue turning every classic into a live-action version, they must do more than simply update a tale while stripping it of its charm. Instead, they should honor the core of what created each classic. A huge budget will never overcome a flat, lifeless movie.
On the bright side, the film sparked enough debate to motivate entertainment writers to get the next rendition right. Don’t screw up Sleeping Beauty, Disney.
2/10
