Movies - Snow White: Disney’s Bold Reimagining of a Classic Tale for a Modern Audience

By Mulder, 25 december 2024

Disney’s upcoming live-action film Snow White marks a significant step in the studio's efforts to reinterpret its animated classics for contemporary audiences. Directed by Marc Webb and written by Greta Gerwig and Erin Cressida Wilson, the movie breathes new life into the cherished 1937 animated film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, which was itself inspired by the Brothers Grimm’s 1812 fairy tale. This production combines visual splendor, modern storytelling, and bold creative decisions, but it has not come without challenges and controversies. Scheduled for release in March 2025, Snow White promises to captivate audiences while sparking discussions about tradition, diversity, and the role of fairy tales in today’s world.

The film's journey began in October 2016, when Disney announced plans to reimagine its first animated feature. Erin Cressida Wilson was enlisted to craft the screenplay, and Marc Webb was later confirmed as the director in 2019. Principal photography took place from March to July 2022 in London, with additional filming completed in 2024. This production faced significant hurdles, including delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and a fire at Pinewood Studios that briefly disrupted construction on the set. Despite these challenges, the team delivered a visually ambitious project that reimagines the familiar story.

The movie has taken creative liberties with the narrative, expanding its focus to include new characters and themes. Andrew Burnap plays Jonathan, a character created specifically for the live-action adaptation. Rachel Zegler, cast as the titular Snow White, revealed that the character is given a deeper backstory: her name stems from surviving a snowstorm as a child, symbolizing her resilience. These updates aim to modernize the narrative while maintaining the essence of the original fairy tale.

Music remains a cornerstone of Disney's retelling, with the film featuring songs from the 1937 original alongside new compositions by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. The addition of a fresh “I Want” song, titled Waiting on a Wish, reflects Snow White's aspirations and independence. Other iconic tracks, such as Heigh-Ho and Whistle While You Work, have been reimagined for the new adaptation, blending nostalgia with innovation.

Visually, the movie showcases a stunning transformation of key settings, including the Evil Queen’s castle and the magical forest where Snow White finds refuge. Disney unveiled first-look images at its D23 Expo, featuring Rachel Zegler in the iconic role and teasing the intricately designed world of the film. However, early trailers sparked mixed reactions, with critics targeting the CGI used to portray the Seven Dwarfs and animal companions. Some found the visuals lacking, while others praised the film’s vibrant aesthetic.

Disney’s decision to modernize Snow White has fueled both praise and backlash. Casting Rachel Zegler, a Latina actress, as Snow White, drew attention for deviating from the character’s traditional description of having “skin as white as snow.” Zegler responded to criticism by highlighting Snow White’s cultural significance in Spanish-speaking communities, such as the enduring popularity of “Blanca Nieves.” Meanwhile, Gal Gadot’s portrayal of the Evil Queen has been lauded for bringing a fresh and dynamic take to the iconic villain.

The depiction of the Seven Dwarfs also sparked debate. To avoid perpetuating stereotypes, Disney opted to reimagine these characters as a diverse group of individuals, featuring actors of varying ethnicities and only one actor with dwarfism. This decision drew mixed reactions, with some celebrating the inclusivity and others criticizing the reduction of roles for actors with dwarfism. The choice to rely heavily on CGI for these characters further divided opinions.

The film’s production and promotional campaigns have also intersected with cultural and political debates. Both Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot have faced scrutiny for their public comments and political stances. Zegler’s outspoken support for feminist reinterpretations of the story, as well as her criticism of certain aspects of the original film, has sparked both applause and backlash. Additionally, her comments on global political issues have attracted controversy, with calls for boycotts emerging from opposing viewpoints.

Disney’s Snow White stands as a testament to the evolving nature of storytelling and the challenges of modernizing classic tales. The film aims to balance tradition with innovation, delivering a version of Snow White that resonates with today’s audiences while honoring the legacy of the original. Whether it becomes a landmark success or a divisive entry in Disney’s live-action canon, Snow White is already cemented as a cultural flashpoint that reflects the shifting dynamics of art, representation, and entertainment. Fans and critics alike will await its release with keen anticipation.

Synopsis :
Live-action adaptation of the 1937 Disney animated film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Snow White
Directed by Marc Webb
Written by Greta Gerwig, Erin Cressida Wilson
Based on Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs by Ted Sear, Richard Creedon, Otto Englander, Dick Rickard, Earl Hurd, Merrill De Maris, Dorothy Ann Blank, Webb Smith and Snow White by the Brothers Grimm
Produced by Marc Platt, Jared LeBoff
Starring Rachel Zegler, Andrew Burnap, Gal Gadot, Ansu Kabia, Dujonna Gift, Martin Klebba, Colin Michael Carmichael, Patrick Page
Cinematography : Mandy Walker
Edited by Mark Sanger
Music by Larry Morey (songs), Frank Churchill (songs), Pasek and Paul (new songs)
Production companies : Walt Disney Pictures, Marc Platt Productions
Distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Release date : March 19, 2025 (FRance), March 21, 2025 (United States)

Updated December 25 2024