The highly anticipated new film, “Snow White,” premieres March 21, with history and controversy lying in its wake.
Disney’s live action “Snow White” is a modern take of their first ever princess film, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” which was originally released in 1937. The film stars Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot as Snow White and the Evil Queen; however, there has been a lot of controversy regarding the two as well as the overall casting in general.
The biggest controversy was the choice to not cast any actors with dwarfism to play the roles of the seven dwarfs. Instead, Disney opted to use computer-generated imagery (CGI) to add dwarfs into the movie. People deemed this an interesting and offensive choice as Disney’s main goal with their most recent films has been to be progressive and diverse with casting.
There have also been many questions as to why Zegler, who is Latina, was casted as the main lead, sparking heated debates among fans worldwide. Much like what happened with “The Little Mermaid” live action film that was released in 2023, people have been upset that Snow White does not appear to look the same as she does in the original film or as she is described in the fairytales.
Director Marc Webb and writer Erin Cressida Wilson have taken a different route with the story itself as well. They have opened the character of Snow White to be a more independent princess. An interview with Zegler two years prior to the premiere, in which she explains the change in the plot, caused huge outrage among fans. While the story will still be heavily influenced by the infamous love story, it has shifted, for example removing the character of Prince Florian and replacing him with Jonathan, played by Andrew Burnap.
The new “Snow White” is an American musical fantasy film, integrating original songs written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, as well as incorporating some of the songs, in a new style, from the first film.
Audiences are awaiting the release of “Snow White” to cinemas everywhere. They will evaluate the one hour and 49 minute remake with precise judgements after the past two years of controversy and excitement, adding just another film to the Disney princess legacy.
