The 2025 Disney remake of Snow White has been marred by controversy, and for good reason. Despite its promising cast, including Rachel Zegler as Snow White and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, the film falls flat in its execution.
Furthermore, the film’s visuals are lackluster, with the CGI-heavy environments and characters looking more like something out of a low-budget video game than a big-budget Disney film. The dwarfs, in particular, look like they were ripped straight from a bad Disneyland animatronic show.
The film’s casting has also been a point of contention, with some critics accusing Disney of “whitewashing” the role of Snow White by casting a Latina actress, Rachel Zegler. While Zegler’s performance is certainly one of the film’s few bright spots, the controversy surrounding her casting is a symptom of a larger problem with the film’s approach to diversity and representation.
One of the most glaring issues with the film is its poor handling of the original story’s themes and characters. The 1937 animated classic was a product of its time, but it still managed to convey a sense of wonder and magic that has been lost in the remake. The new film’s attempts to modernize the story and make it more “relatable” to contemporary audiences come across as forced and shallow.
In addition to its creative missteps, the film has also been dogged by controversy surrounding its stars’ personal views. Gal Gadot’s support for Israel has sparked backlash from pro-Palestinian activists, while Rachel Zegler’s criticism of Trump supporters has drawn ire from conservatives .
Despite these controversies, the film’s marketing campaign has pushed forward, with a reported $70 million spent on promoting the film. However, the film’s poor reception from critics and audiences alike suggests that this investment may not pay off.
In conclusion, the 2025 Disney remake of Snow White is a misfire on nearly every level. From its poor handling of the original story to its lackluster visuals and controversies surrounding its cast, the film is a disappointment to fans of the original and newcomers alike.
What Went Wrong?
- Poor handling of the original story: The remake’s attempts to modernize the story come across as forced and shallow.
- Lackluster visuals: The CGI-heavy environments and characters look more like something out of a low-budget video game than a big-budget Disney film.
- Casting controversies: The film’s casting has been accused of “whitewashing” and has sparked backlash from pro-Palestinian activists.
- Controversies surrounding the cast’s personal views: Gal Gadot’s support for Israel and Rachel Zegler’s criticism of Trump supporters have drawn ire from conservatives and pro-Palestinian activists.
A Missed Opportunity
The 2025 Disney remake of Snow White had the potential to be a game-changer for the franchise. With a talented cast and a rich source material to draw from, the film could have been a fresh take on a beloved classic. Instead, it squanders this potential with poor creative choices and a lack of attention to detail.
As the film’s poor reception continues to mount, it’s clear that Disney has missed an opportunity to create something truly special. Here’s hoping that future remakes will learn from Snow White’s mistakes and strive to create something truly worthy of the Disney name.
