A NEW TAKE ON A CLASSIC TALE
- Heart Of Hollywood Team
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
What Fans Can Expect from Disney's Live-Action 'Snow White’'
By Gilda Baum-Lappe
Disney’s 2025 live-action adaptation of Snow White reimagines the classic tale with contemporary nuances and a fresh narrative approach. Directed by Marc Webb, the film stars Rachel Zegler as Snow White, Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, and Andrew Burnap as Jonathan, a new character who leads a band of thieves.
Departing from the 1937 animated classic, this rendition introduces significant plot alterations. Snow White’s birth during a snowstorm inspires her name, emphasizing the circumstances of her arrival rather than her physical appearance. The narrative delves deeper into her parents’ benevolent rule and the subsequent usurpation by the Evil Queen, providing a richer backstory. Additionally, traditional elements like Prince Charming are replaced by Jonathan, offering a modern twist to the romantic subplot.
Musically, the film blends nostalgia with innovation. While retaining classics such as "Whistle While You Work" and "Heigh-Ho", it introduces new songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, including "Waiting on a Wish", which replaces "Someday My Prince Will Come". These additions aim to resonate with contemporary audiences while honoring the original’s legacy.
The film has garnered attention for its modern take on the classic 1937 animated feature. We enjoyed the creativity and the way Marc Webb (The Amazing Spider-Man) chose to direct.
However, the production has faced controversies, including debates over casting choices and character portrayals. Notably, popular actor Peter Dinklage criticized the depiction of dwarfs, prompting Disney to reimagine these characters as “magical creatures.”
KEY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE 1937 AND 2025 VERSIONS
Casting and Character Representation
Snow White: In the original, Snow White is depicted with “skin as white as snow.” The 2025 version casts Rachel Zegler, a Latina actress, in the titular role, reflecting a more diverse representation. Purists might argue that Snow White should match her original description, while new viewers may appreciate the diversity.
This has upset some fans, but the backlash seems to stem more from Zegler’s public comments about the original film rather than her casting itself. She has openly criticized elements of the beloved classic, expressing views that diverge significantly from Disney’s traditional storytelling. She also dismissed the idea of a prince rescuing her, instead portraying Snow White as a self-empowered figure who takes control of the palace and fights the stepmother—played by the stunning Gal Gadot, whom some fans feel would not realistically be jealous of Zegler’s looks.
The Seven Dwarfs: The animated film features seven dwarfs as central characters, beloved by audiences for generations. The remake replaces them with CGI-created “magical creatures” to address cultural sensitivities regarding dwarfism.
Actor Peter Dinklage, known for his role in Game of Thrones and as one of the most prominent actors with dwarfism, criticized Disney’s decision to include dwarfs in the remake. Disney responded by eliminating those roles altogether, replacing them with fantasy creatures. Many actors with dwarfism, who could have had valuable roles, expressed disappointment, as this decision effectively removed seven potential jobs from the film
industry.
A Shift in Storytelling
Due to these considerations, the storyline has changed, altering some of the original’s essence. The 1937 version centers on Snow White’s innocence and her romantic storyline. The 2025 adaptation shifts focus, portraying Snow White as a proactive leader reclaiming her kingdom, moving away from the traditional damsel-in-distress trope.
A Visual Transformation
The original was a hand-drawn animated feature. The remake employs live-action performances combined with advanced CGI, particularly for the magical creatures, offering a photorealistic aesthetic.
These differences highlight Disney’s efforts to modernize the classic tale, making it relevant for today’s audiences while acknowledging and addressing past cultural sensitivities.
The Audience Divide
Different generations and varying tastes may be at the heart of the controversy. Viewers unfamiliar with the original may not perceive the disagreements and might genuinely love the 2025 Snow White. Meanwhile, traditionalists may prefer the elements they cherished in the classic version.
Ultimately, we believe it’s totally worth watching so that everyone can decide. Approaching the new Snow White with an open mind can be an enjoyable experience, and only then can we form our own opinions.
That’s exactly what we did at Heart Of Hollywood Magazine!
Want to feature your brand in Heart of Hollywood Magazine?
Sign up here: https://forms.gle/nx2e87kdEwFNHPVz9. Let’s make it happen!
Not a subscriber yet? By subscribing to our magazine, you will receive direct access to future issues without needing a coupon. Subscribe now to get a direct link to download the latest issue and enjoy seamless access to all upcoming editions.
Subscribe here: https://www.heartofhollywoodmagazine.com/subscribe