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Disney's latest reimagining of a beloved classic, Snow White, has become a flashpoint in cultural and cinematic discussions since its release on March 21, 2025. The live-action remake, starring Rachel Zegler as the titular character and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, has faced a barrage of polarizing reactions.
At the heart of the controversy is Rachel Zegler's portrayal of Snow White and her outspoken views about the film. In an old interview that recently resurfaced, Zegler emphasized the remake's progressive shift, saying, "We absolutely wrote a Snow White that ... she's not going to be saved by the prince, and she's not going to be dreaming about true love; she's going to be dreaming about becoming the leader she knows she can be."
This narrative pivot, aimed at empowering the character, has been divisive, with some praising the message of independence and others lamenting the loss of traditional fairytale elements. Adding fuel to the fire, past comments from Zegler on social media have drawn criticism from conservative voices.
A tweet from January 2021, in which she referred to herself as a "nasty b----" while denouncing then-President Donald Trump, has resurfaced and been circulated by critics, including media personality Megyn Kelly. Kelly mocked Zegler's casting on social media, questioning Disney's decision in light of the tweet, which has further polarized public opinion.
Dealing with controversy and adversity
Compounding the challenges for Disney is the film's underperformance at the box office. Despite the studio's effort to modernize the story with updated themes and a fresh cast, the movie has struggled to find widespread appeal. Critics have pointed to everything from uneven CGI work to shifts in storytelling as potential reasons for its lukewarm reception.
The Snow White remake's turbulent journey underscores the challenges of reimagining iconic tales in an era where art, politics, and social commentary intersect. As Disney faces the fallout from the mixed reviews and cultural debates, the enduring question remains how should classic stories evolve to resonate with contemporary audiences while maintaining the magic that made them timeless in the first place.
While some have applauded the film's modernization of the original fairytale, others criticize its narrative choices and its departure from Disney's 1937 animated masterpiece. The film has underwhelmed critically and commercially, with a 42% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, a 1.6 rating on IMDb, and a 48% score on Metacritic.
Audience reviews have been especially divisive, with many accusing online platforms of being flooded with negative scores by individuals who may not have even watched the movie. This pattern has reignited debates about "review-bombing" and its impact on film ratings.