The first image in the live-action Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, produced by Disney, features the titular character, Snow White, portrayed by Rachel Zegler, surrounded by the seven dwarfs. This portrayal brings a fresh perspective to the character, though it has received mixed reactions from audiences.
Previously, the “Evil Queen” announced that the character would be more diverse and gender-inclusive. However, the latest images indicate that Disney might have strayed from this intention due to backlash from fans.
Moreover, the color palette and design of the dwarfs have led audiences to feel that they do not evoke a classic fairy-tale atmosphere. “The visuals seem like a 3D animated film, but the dwarfs look quite lifeless,” commented one viewer, while another noted, “The muted colors do not bring a bright feeling, but rather a rather dreary sensation…” Opinions from netizens continue to surface.
Rachel Zegler is the next actress to be featured by Disney in a prominent role as Snow White. She is of Colombian and Polish descent, showcasing a distinct Latin background with her tan skin and dark hair. This characteristic contrasts sharply with the 1937 animated version created by Walt Disney and the original fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm, where Snow White is described as having “skin as white as snow.”
The backlash is not surprising, especially as fans of the original animated film have been vocal about their opinions worldwide. The actress born in 2001 expressed her sentiments on Twitter, stating, “I am Snow White, and it doesn’t mean I need to be pale-skinned to play the role.”
What frustrates audiences more is that many believe the character does not reflect the original animated Snow White. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Zegler mentioned that she “saw the original animated version once and has never watched it again.”
Gen Z actress Zegler refrains from comparing the new film to the original, stating that it differs significantly and that Snow White doesn’t need to be a damsel in distress. “She is no longer waiting for love to rescue her. She is being portrayed as a leader who knows her worth,” she expressed.
Regarding the charming prince, who is depicted as a bumbling fool, Zegler believes that the prince is merely “a supporting character.” The actress emphasized that the storyline will not portray him in that light.
Disney has stated that the film requires extensive time for production, akin to previous live-action adaptations like Aladdin and Mulan.
The studio also announced that they are focusing on revitalizing the characters in the story and have been considering input from the communities throughout the production process.
“To avoid any misinterpretations from the original animated film, we are working on presenting this character in a different way, and we have consulted with community members,” a Disney representative said.
According to IMDb, the live-action version of Snow White is set to be released in theaters in the U.S. on March 21, 2025. The film’s release has been delayed for a year due to impacts from the Hollywood labor disputes.
