Disney’s live-action Snow Whiteis set to hit theaters on March 21, 2025, but its road to release has been anything but smooth. Directed by Marc Webb and starring Rachel Zegler as the titular princess alongside Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, the film has been mired in controversy from the very beginning.
A Modern Take That Divides Audiences
From script changes to casting choices, Snow White has sparked debate, particularly over its contemporary approach to the 1937 animated classic. Written by Barbie (2023) director Greta Gerwig and Erin Cressida Wilson, scribe of The Girl on the Train (2016), the new adaptation presents Snow White as an independent figure uninterested in traditional romance. Zegler’s past remarks about the princess not needing to be “saved” by a prince have stirred strong reactions, with some fans feeling the reimagining strays too far from the beloved original.
Zegler has acknowledged the backlash, attributing it to the deep connection audiences have with the classic film. However, with its release delayed by a full year, only time will tell whether this fresh take will resonate or alienate viewers.
A Massive Budget, Yet Uncertain Prospects
According to Forbes, Disney’s Snow Whitereportedly carries a hefty $300 million budget, yet early projections estimate a domestic opening of just $53 million. While not catastrophic, such a figure would be underwhelming for a Disney tentpole project. Even a recent Oscars appearance by Zegler and Gadot, meant to showcase their on-screen chemistry, failed to shift the conversation toward a more positive outlook.
Adding to the discourse is the film’s handling of the classic characters, including its depiction of the seven dwarfs and the absence of a traditional prince. These choices have fueled skepticism, leaving Disney with an uphill battle to win over audiences.
A History-Making Scene Before Release
Despite the challenges, Disney is pushing forward, unveiling a significant new scene just 10 days ahead of the film’s debut. The clip, titled “I Feel They Need Some Kindness,” was shared by IGN (@IGN) and features Snow White and the Evil Queen in conversation about the needs of the kingdom. This moment marks a major shift from the original animated film, in which the queen and Snow White never interact in the queen’s true form.
Of course, the film still includes the classic poisoned apple sequence, with the new scene providing additional context as to why Snow White ultimately trusts the disguised Evil Queen.
The Prince Who Wasn’t
Another major shift is the introduction of Jonathan, played by Andrew Burnap, replacing the traditional prince. His presence has been largely kept under wraps, with only fleeting glimpses in the trailer leaving fans speculating about his role.
Director Marc Webb explained the inspiration behind Jonathan’s character, citing archival material from Walt Disney himself. “One sketch that didn’t make it into the original film—about the Prince being held in the dungeon—really stuck with me,” Webb said (via The Direct). “It was a storyline that Walt never got to complete to his satisfaction. So, in a sense, Jonathan was our effort to pick up where he left off.”
While Zegler’s statements suggest romance takes a backseat in this version, Webb’s comments hint at a nuanced approach. “We’ve been careful to preserve the iconography of Snow Whitethat we love while also exploring Snow White’s romance and romantic relationship a bit more deeply,” he added.
Burnap, known for his role as Joseph Smith in FX/Hulu’s Under the Banner of Heaven, provided further insight into Jonathan’s character. “Jonathan finds himself quite disillusioned with the power structures of the world he lives in and is part of a certain resistance to those power structures,” he shared. “When we meet him, he is just looking for a reason to find a sense of fight in himself again, that sense of hope that seems to be missing from the world.”
A Stacked Cast and Unanswered Questions
Joining Zegler, Gadot, and Burnap is an ensemble cast featuring Ansu Kabia as the Huntsman, Jeremy Swift as Doc, Andrew Barth Feldman as Dopey, Tituss Burgess as Bashful, George Salazar as Happy, Martin Klebba as Grumpy, Andy Grotelueschen as Sleepy, and Jason Kravits as Sneezy.
With just days to go before Snow Whitemakes its long-awaited debut, Disney faces mounting pressure to prove that its bold reinvention will pay off. Whether audiences embrace this revisionist take or reject it in favor of nostalgia remains to be seen.
What do you think about the changes in Disney’s Snow White? Let us know in the comments below!
