Disney’s live-action Snow White continues to face significant challenges as the studio begins releasing multiple trailers ahead of its March 2025 debut.
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Snow White’s 86-Year Legacy
Released in 1937, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is a cinematic milestone as Walt Disney’s first full-length animated feature. Adapted from the Grimm Brothers’ fairy tale, it revolutionized filmmaking and established the foundation for the animation industry.
With a then-astronomical budget of $1.49 million, the film grossed an estimated $8 million during its initial release, holding the title of the highest-grossing sound film until Gone with the Wind (1939). Lifetime earnings from re-releases bring its total box office gross to over $418 million when adjusted for inflation.
The voice cast featured Adriana Caselotti as Snow White, Lucille La Verne as the Evil Queen, and Harry Stockwell as the Prince. Songs like “Heigh-Ho,” “Some Day My Prince Will Come,” and “Whistle While You Work” by Frank Churchill and Larry Morey remain timeless Disney classics.
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In 1939, the film received an honorary Academy Award, presented to Walt Disney as one full-sized Oscar accompanied by seven miniature statuettes. Culturally, Snow White’s impact is immeasurable. Its groundbreaking use of Technicolor, animation, and enchanting story inspired generations of filmmakers. From merchandise and theme park attractions, Snow White continues to captivate audiences and symbolize Disney magic.
Looking ahead, the legacy of Snow White seems destined to endure, albeit controversially, with the release of Disney’s live-action remake directed by Marc Webb.
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A Live-Action Adaptation Steeped in Controversy
The Walt Disney Company recently delayed the live-action Snow White by a year, unveiling the first official look at Rachel Zegler as Snow White alongside a reimagined take on the seven dwarfs. This adaptation features CGI dwarfs, a departure from earlier plans to include “magical creatures,” following backlash sparked, in part, by actor Peter Dinklage. While Dinklage criticized the need to reimagine the story, many within the dwarfism community disagreed with his stance.
Casting Rachel Zegler, a Latina actress, as Snow White drew criticism similar to Halle Bailey’s casting as Ariel in The Little Mermaid (2023). The remake also alters the origin of Snow White’s name. As Zegler explained to Variety, the name will reference “a moment of resilience” tied to surviving a snowstorm as a baby. “The king and queen decided to name her Snow White to remind her of her resilience,” she shared. In the original Grimm fairytale, Snow White is so named due to her having “skin as white as snow.”
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Now, The Walt Disney Company has officially confirmed this origin adaptation through an international trailer for Marc Webb’s upcoming movie. At the start of the trailer, a carriage can be seen stranded in a snowstorm while people run about outside. Zegler’s narration as Snow White reveals that “To honor the day I was born, my father named me Snow White.”
The trailer also includes never-before-seen footage of Gal Gadot’s Evil Queen as well as the controversial CGI dwarves riding woodland creatures through the forest. It also showcases Zegler’s Snow White singing the original song, “Waiting on a Wish,” written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, AKA songwriting duo Pasek and Paul.
Watch the international trailer via Walt Disney Studios Indonesia here:
Zegler’s comments at D23 Expo 2022, where she called the prince a “stalker” and emphasized a shift toward a story of leadership and strength, reignited debates. “She’s not going to be saved by the prince or dreaming about true love,” Zegler said, promising an empowering narrative. While she later apologized for fueling negative discourse, her remarks polarized fans.
Adding to the controversy, Disney’s Q4 2024 results notably omitted the live-action Snow White from its anticipated 2025 releases despite listing major titles like Captain America: Brave New World and Avatar: Fire and Ash.
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Challenges Ahead
With a reported budget nearing $300 million, Snow White faces an uphill battle as Disney’s marketing for the film remains subdued. With just months until its March 21, 2025 release, the film’s cultural footprint is overshadowed by controversies and a lukewarm reception.
As Disney’s 2025 lineup shapes up, Snow White stands in stark contrast to blockbusters like Moana 2, which recently broke Thanksgiving box office records, and the upcoming live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch (2002). Only time will tell if Snow White can overcome its challenges and leave its mark at the box office.
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Rachel Zegler stars as Snow White and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, alongside Andrew Burnap, Ansu Kabia, Dujonna Gift, Martin Klebba, and Colin Michael Carmichael. Directed by Marc Webb, the screenplay is penned by Erin Cressida Wilson and Greta Gerwig.
How do you feel about the live-action Snow White? Will you be watching it in theaters? Let us know your thoughts below!
