On August 15, 2025, Disney dropped a bombshell that sent shockwaves through Hollywood: the studio is developing yet another live-action remake of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, just months after the release of its controversial 2025 adaptation starring Rachel Zegler. The announcement, made during a surprise press conference at the Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank, California, has sparked intense reactions across the industry, with reports suggesting that Zegler, the 24-year-old star of the recent Snow White, was blindsided by the news and responded with visible distress. The unexpected move has reignited debates about Disney’s reliance on remakes, Zegler’s turbulent relationship with the studio, and the future of one of Disney’s most iconic fairy tales.

A New Snow White on the Horizon

Disney’s 2025 Snow White, directed by Marc Webb and starring Zegler as the titular princess and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, was a high-stakes endeavor for the studio. With a production budget of $270 million and an additional $140 million in marketing, the film aimed to reimagine the 1937 animated classic for a modern audience. However, its theatrical run was marred by controversy, from Zegler’s polarizing comments about the original film to backlash over creative changes, such as the reimagined seven dwarfs and a revised love story. The film grossed a disappointing $205.7 million globally, falling short of breaking even and marking a significant financial loss for Disney.

Despite this setback, Disney’s decision to greenlight another Snow White remake has caught the industry off guard. According to studio executives, the new project, tentatively slated for a 2028 release, will take a “radically different approach,” focusing on a darker, more fantastical retelling inspired by the original Brothers Grimm fairy tale. Unlike the 2025 version, which emphasized empowerment and modern sensibilities, the new adaptation will reportedly lean into gothic horror elements and a more faithful adaptation of the 19th-century story, with a new director and cast yet to be announced. Disney’s CEO, Bob Iger, described the project as “an opportunity to honor the timeless tale while exploring new creative avenues,” emphasizing the studio’s commitment to its classic IP.

The announcement comes at a time when Disney is navigating a complex landscape. While films like Moana 2 and Inside Out 2 have bolstered the studio’s animated slate, its live-action remakes have faced mixed results. The failure of the 2025 Snow White has fueled speculation that Disney is eager to redeem the property, but the decision to fast-track another remake so soon has raised eyebrows. Some insiders suggest the move is a strategic attempt to shift focus from the recent flop and capitalize on the enduring appeal of the Snow White brand.

Zegler’s Emotional Reaction

Rachel Zegler, who has been a lightning rod for controversy since her casting in the 2025 Snow White, reportedly reacted with intense emotion to Disney’s announcement. Sources close to the actress claim she was “completely blindsided” and “devastated” by the news, feeling that the studio’s decision undermines her work on the recent film. According to reports, Zegler was spotted leaving a rehearsal for her role as Eva Perón in the West End production of Evita in tears, with some outlets describing her as “going crazy” over the unexpected development. While these accounts may be sensationalized, Zegler’s social media activity suggests she is struggling to process the news. A cryptic Instagram Story posted on August 15 featured a photo of her in costume as Snow White, captioned, “Some stories never get old, but I guess they need new voices.”

Zegler’s reaction is understandable given the challenges she faced during the 2025 Snow White campaign. Her comments at the 2022 D23 Expo, where she called the 1937 animated film “dated” and criticized its love story, sparked widespread backlash, with some fans accusing her of disrespecting Disney’s legacy. The controversy was compounded by her political statements, including a since-deleted X post in August 2024 expressing support for Palestine, which prompted Disney to send producer Marc Platt to intervene. The film’s poor box office performance and critical reception—scoring just 40% on Rotten Tomatoes—further intensified scrutiny on Zegler, with some unfairly blaming her for its failure.

The announcement of a new Snow White remake has reignited these tensions, with fans and critics alike speculating about Disney’s confidence in Zegler. Some have interpreted the move as a sign that the studio is distancing itself from her, while others see it as a pragmatic decision to pivot to a fresh vision. Zegler’s supporters have rallied to her defense, arguing that she poured her heart into the role and faced undue criticism for factors beyond her control. “Rachel gave everything to Snow White. It’s unfair to pin the movie’s issues on her,” one fan wrote on X. Others, however, have been less sympathetic, with comments suggesting that Disney’s decision reflects dissatisfaction with Zegler’s public persona.

Disney’s Strategy and Industry Implications

Disney’s choice to announce another Snow White remake so soon after the 2025 release is a bold and risky move. The studio has a history of revisiting its iconic properties, but the rapid turnaround has sparked debate about whether it signals a lack of confidence in the recent adaptation or a broader struggle to innovate. The 2025 Snow White faced criticism for its deviations from the original, including replacing the prince with a bandit named Jonathan and altering the dwarfs to address concerns raised by actor Peter Dinklage about their portrayal. While these changes aimed to modernize the story, they alienated some fans who felt the film strayed too far from its roots.

The new remake’s darker, Grimm-inspired approach suggests Disney is responding to this feedback by returning to the tale’s origins. Early reports indicate the project will prioritize atmospheric storytelling over musical elements, potentially reducing the emphasis on original songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, which were a hallmark of the 2025 version. The decision to move forward without Zegler or Gadot has also fueled speculation about casting, with names like Sydney Sweeney and Anya Taylor-Joy circulating as potential leads.

The announcement has broader implications for Disney’s live-action remake strategy. While films like The Lion King (2019) and Aladdin (2019) were box office successes, recent efforts like Pinocchio (2022) and Snow White (2025) have struggled to recapture that magic. The studio’s decision to fast-track another Snow White suggests a belief in the property’s enduring appeal, but it also risks oversaturating the market. Competitors like The Daily Wire, which announced its own Snow White and the Evil Queen adaptation in 2025 (later stalled due to lead actress Brett Cooper’s exit), have already challenged Disney’s dominance over the fairy tale, adding pressure to deliver a hit.

Zegler’s Career and Future with Disney

For Zegler, the announcement marks a turning point in her relationship with Disney. Despite the Snow White backlash, she remains a rising star, with a critically acclaimed performance in Evita and upcoming roles in A24’s horror-comedy Y2K and Netflix’s animated Spellbound. Her casting in Disney+’s Phantom, a YA reimagining of The Phantom of the Opera directed by Kenny Ortega, indicates that the studio still sees value in her talent. However, the new Snow White remake has raised questions about her long-term prospects with Disney, with some speculating that the studio may be shifting focus to new faces.

Zegler’s emotional response to the news reflects the personal toll of her Snow White experience. In a 2024 interview with Variety, she spoke candidly about the toll of the backlash, saying, “It made me sad that it was taken in such a way, because I believe that women can do anything.” Her supporters, including Evita co-star James Olivas, have defended her against what they describe as “manufactured outrage,” pointing to her youth and identity as a Latina actress as factors in the disproportionate criticism she faces.

A Tale of Two Snow Whites

Disney’s decision to announce another Snow White remake is a testament to the story’s enduring power, but it also underscores the challenges of reimagining a classic in an era of heightened scrutiny. For Rachel Zegler, the news is a bitter pill, coming after a tumultuous journey with the 2025 film. Her reported distress highlights the emotional stakes of her role, but her resilience and upcoming projects suggest she will weather this storm.

As Disney forges ahead with its new vision for Snow White, the industry watches closely to see if the studio can reclaim the magic of its first princess. For now, Zegler’s fans continue to champion her, while critics debate whether Disney’s latest move is a bold reinvention or a sign of creative desperation. In the ever-evolving world of Hollywood, one thing is certain: the tale of Snow White remains as enchanting—and contentious—as ever.