Disney’s live-action adaptation of Snow White, which came out in 2025, was eagerly awaited by fans of the classic animated film from 1937. Directed by Marc Webb, the movie starred Rachel Zegler as Snow White and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, presenting a new take on the cherished fairy tale. When it premiered, Snow White attracted a lot of attention, earning $85 million during its opening weekend, which was more than what was initially expected. However, its performance declined after that strong start. The film ended up with a total domestic gross of $250 million, which didn’t meet the high expectations set for it, especially when compared to Disney’s previous successful live-action films like The Lion King (2019) and Aladdin (2019). On the international front, it made an extra $150 million, but some areas reported disappointing attendance, indicating it might not have resonated globally.
One major point of criticism was how Snow White was depicted in the film. A lot of viewers were unhappy with the casting of Zegler, believing she didn’t capture the essence of the beloved character as they remembered from the original. Furthermore, the film’s choice to revise Snow White’s story to present her as a more “empowered” character, in contrast to the more passive animated version, led to discussions. Some people thought these changes were not needed, while others appreciated the new portrayal as a step forward.
The film’s handling of the seven dwarfs also raised eyebrows. To steer clear of stereotypes, Disney chose to depict the dwarfs as individual characters with their own traits, moving away from the classic portrayal. While many appreciated this approach for its diversity, some fans felt that these changes took away from the original appeal of the dwarfs. Additionally, the Evil Queen’s motivations and background were further developed, adding complexity to her character but diminishing some of the intrigue and menace that made her so memorable.
In summary, Disney’s live-action adaptation of Snow White faced the usual criticisms and debates that come with reimagining beloved classics. Striking the balance between honoring the original and making it relevant for today’s audience is tricky, and in this instance, it appears that Disney may not have fully succeeded. It remains uncertain whether the film will eventually be viewed more positively over time, similar to other live-action adaptations by Disney.
