The release of the Snow White first look trailer, featuring Rachel Zegler in the titular role, has stirred quite a bit of controversy and mixed reactions from fans. Disney’s decision to introduce the live-action remake of Snow White with Zegler, coupled with some of the comments she’s made about the original film, has sparked a heated debate about the direction of the movie.

The Trailer

In the trailer, Zegler’s portrayal of Snow White is given a modern twist. Fans got a glimpse of her acting chops, her costume, and the updated design of the iconic character. However, the trailer also highlighted significant changes to the story that may not sit well with many fans of the original 1937 animated classic.

The movie takes a departure from the original in several ways. Notably, Snow White is not portrayed as the traditionally passive princess; instead, she’s positioned as more of an empowered character who will challenge the norms of her time. Some have found this shift to be refreshing, while others view it as a betrayal of the character’s original essence.

The Charcoal for Christmas?

The phrase “Disney gives fans charcoal for Christmas” has become a popular sentiment among disappointed fans. The phrase captures the feeling that, rather than the beloved magic and nostalgia that fans were hoping for, the live-action Snow White feels like a gift no one really wanted — a poorly received surprise. Fans of the original Snow White have taken to social media to express their frustration, particularly in response to Zegler’s remarks about the animated film. Her criticism of the classic, calling the original Snow White “scary” and the prince a “stalker,” has left many feeling that the essence of the fairy tale is being lost.

What’s the Backlash About?

Beyond the trailer itself, the controversy is largely centered on two things: Zegler’s controversial comments about the original Snow White and the drastic changes to the story. Zegler’s remarks on the original film, where she dismissed the traditional love story and downplayed the importance of the prince character, has upset fans who feel that the remake is ignoring the beloved themes of romance and true love. In addition, the decision to cast a Latina actress in the role of Snow White has sparked its own debate, with some arguing that it diverges too far from the original European fairy tale.

Fans have reacted in a variety of ways, from expressing their disappointment on social media to calling for a boycott of the film altogether. Some have even gone so far as to criticize Disney for what they see as an attempt to “modernize” and “politicize” a classic story.

The Future of the Remake

While the trailer has undoubtedly generated a significant amount of buzz, the real test will be how the film performs once it is released. Disney has been experimenting with live-action remakes of their animated classics for years, and while some, like Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King, were well-received, others, like Mulan and Aladdin, received more mixed reactions. With the polarized response to Snow White, it remains to be seen whether the film will win over audiences or continue to fuel the backlash.

In conclusion, the first look at Rachel Zegler’s Snow White has been met with a combination of intrigue and skepticism. While some are excited to see a fresh take on the classic fairy tale, others feel that the remake’s changes, combined with Zegler’s controversial comments, have left them disappointed. Only time will tell whether Disney’s gamble on this live-action version of Snow White will pay off or whether fans will continue to feel like they’ve been handed “charcoal” instead of the magical experience they were hoping for.