Disney’s latest live-action remake of Snow White has sparked mixed reactions from critics. While some praise its vibrant visuals and fresh storytelling, others call it a muddled and uninspired reboot. The film, starring Rachel Zegler as Snow White and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, has faced controversies since its production, from casting debates to script changes.
A Visually Stunning but Divisive Retelling
US critics have been relatively positive. Hollywood Reporter’s David Rooney called the film “mostly captivating,” praising director Marc Webb’s approach and the “smart script” by Erin Cressida Wilson. Variety’s Owen Gleiberman said it was “one of the better live-action adaptations” and lauded the CGI dwarfs for their “comically expressive” faces.
Some reviewers also admired the film’s musical numbers. Deadline’s Pete Hammond found it “thoroughly decent,” saying the dance sequences were “dazzling.” The Telegraph’s Robbie Collins awarded three stars, noting that the movie “really picks up” when Zegler’s Snow White teams up with the dwarfs and bandits.
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The Seven Dwarfs Debate
Disney’s decision to replace traditional dwarfs with CGI characters caused controversy. The debate began when actor Peter Dinklage criticized the portrayal of dwarfs in the original 1937 film, calling it “backward.” To avoid stereotypes, Disney opted for computer-generated characters, but this move upset some actors with dwarfism, who feared losing acting opportunities. Critics have been divided on the CGI dwarfs, with some finding them creepy and unnatural, while others appreciate their distinct personalities.
British Critics Slam the Film
Many UK reviewers were less impressed. The Guardian’s Peter Bradshaw gave it one star, calling it an “exhaustingly awful reboot.” He criticized the costume design, performances, and lack of dramatic tension. The Times’ Kevin Maher dismissed it as “watery and ineffectual,” adding that Disney has shifted from creating cinematic masterpieces to recycling old stories with forced modern lessons.
The Daily Mail’s Brian Viner gave it two stars, calling it “painfully muddle-headed.” He acknowledged Zegler’s talent but felt the film didn’t allow her to shine. The Independent’s Clarisse Loughrey also gave it one star, criticizing the lazy storytelling and excessive CGI.
Casting and Controversy
Disney’s choice to cast Rachel Zegler, a Latina actress, as Snow White faced backlash. The original fairytale describes Snow White as having “skin as white as snow”, leading to debates on faithfulness to the source material.
Zegler’s past remarks about the original film also stirred controversy. She called the 1937 version “dated” and criticized its focus on romance, stating that her character would have more agency in the remake. Additionally, rumors of tension between Zegler and Gadot due to their opposing views on the Israel-Palestine conflict fueled further media speculation.
A Troubled Production and Uncertain Future
The film reportedly cost over $270 million to produce, yet ticket presales only started two weeks before release, an unusual move for a big-budget Disney film. The scaled-down European premiere in Spain raised further questions about the studio’s confidence in the project.
Despite the controversy, Snow White’s box office performance will ultimately determine its fate. Will audiences embrace this new version, or will it join Disney’s list of underwhelming live-action remakes?
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