The original Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) remains a cornerstone of Disney’s legacy, marking its debut into the world of animated storytelling.

Known for its timeless charm and beloved characters, the film has been a cultural touchstone for generations. However, Disney’s live-action remake, slated for release in March 2025, has become embroiled in controversy, with fans expressing sharp criticism over its direction and execution.

Disney recently released its Q4 financial results, yet, conspicuously absent from this discussion was Snow White. According to reports from Inside the Magic, the company avoided mentioning the film entirely, sparking speculation that Disney may be bracing for potential fallout or even distancing itself from the project.

Credit: Disney
The backlash to the film has been significant, fueled by criticism over the replacement of the seven dwarfs with “magical beings” and lead actress Rachel Zegler’s controversial public statements. Many fans have taken to social media to voice their displeasure.

Comments such as “Disney: Relive the classic story! Also Disney: Changes the classic story” and “She doesn’t need the poisoned apple. She’s toxic enough by herself” reflect growing dissatisfaction with the film’s direction. Another fan wrote, “I want the Queen to win in this version,” highlighting the shift in audience sentiment.

Zegler’s past remarks have only added to the controversy. One viral post pointed out her apparent hypocrisy, stating: “Rachel Zegler – the people need some kindness. Also Rachel Zegler – May over half the U.S. never know peace.” Others have criticized her promotion of the film by disparaging the 1937 original as “sexist and dated,” further alienating longtime fans.

The online reaction to the film’s trailers has also been telling. The first trailer was heavily downvoted on YouTube, with 735,000 dislikes compared to just 69,000 likes. The second trailer, released days ago, has not fared much better. Fans continue to lash out, with one commenting, “If I saw this movie on a plane, I would still walk out.”

With more than $200 million reportedly invested in the project, Disney faces a daunting challenge. The decision to omit Snow White from its Q4 announcements may hint at growing internal concerns, and these reactions to the trailer — which completely trash the film — don’t bode well for Disney.
Credit: Disney
Though Rachel Zegler may have apologized for her comments, that’s not likely to save her Disney film.

Disney was already facing a steep uphill climb — that’s one of the reasons why the film was delayed until 2025, to begin with — and now Zegler’s comments may be the final arrow to take out the movie once and for all.