“Snow White”: Controversies, Changes, and What You Need to Know Before the Premiere

The live-action adaptation of Snow White has sparked controversy ahead of its 2025 release. From changes to the original story to the removal of the song "Someday My Prince Will Come", the film has divided opinions. Discover everything about the debate.

The upcoming live-action adaptation of Snow White, set to premiere on March 21, 2025, has been surrounded by controversy since its announcement. These debates range from casting choices to significant changes in the traditional narrative of the 1937 classic.

Casting Controversies and Criticism of the 1937 Classic

The casting of Rachel Zegler in the lead role sparked debates on social media. In response, the actress focused on the positive aspects of the experience, choosing not to engage with negative feedback. Additionally, Zegler stirred controversy by suggesting that the prince in the 1937 film exhibited behavior resembling harassment toward Snow White.

Peter Dinklage’s Comments and the Representation of the Dwarfs

Actor Peter Dinklage criticized the original Snow White story, calling it “backward” and questioning the portrayal of the dwarfs. In response, Disney chose to reimagine their representation in the new adaptation, consulting members of the dwarfism community to avoid reinforcing stereotypes. However, this decision also received backlash from actors with dwarfism, who felt it reduced their job opportunities in the industry.

Changes in Narrative and Music

The new version of “Snow White” has been adapted to reflect modern values. For instance, the protagonist’s name is no longer tied to her fair skin, but rather to the context of her birth during a winter night. Additionally, Snow White is portrayed as more adventurous and independent, stepping away from the passive role of the original film.

One of the most significant changes is the removal of the song “Someday My Prince Will Come” in its sung version—it will now only appear instrumentally. This alteration has sparked discontent among some fans of the animated classic. Rachel Zegler has defended these updates, emphasizing that her character is now a leader rather than a damsel waiting to be rescued.

Release Strategy and Expectations to the Reception

Due to ongoing controversies, Disney has opted for a low-profile release strategy. The European premiere took place at the Alcázar of Segovia, Spain, without media presence. Despite the debates, the film is expected to perform well at the U.S. box office.

The Snow White remake highlights the challenge of reinterpreting classics for modern audiences, balancing respect for the original work with contemporary values.