Disney’s latest trailer for its live-action remake of Snow White has stirred quite a conversation among fans and critics alike. The film features Rachel Zegler, known for her role in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, as the iconic princess. While Zegler possesses the vocal talent necessary for a Disney lead, many believe she deserves a more fitting portrayal than what the trailer suggests, which includes a costume that some have described as reminiscent of a party store outfit and a rather unflattering haircut.
Gal Gadot takes on the role of the Evil Queen, who, according to the trailer, delivers lines that feel overly scripted and lack depth. One standout line, “I look at you and I just want to be… the fairest of them all,” has been met with skepticism regarding its delivery and emotional impact.
Another aspect that has raised eyebrows is the depiction of the seven dwarfs, which some viewers have found unsettling, likening them to characters from a horror film rather than the whimsical figures fans remember. Despite these criticisms, there is a singular element of the trailer that some viewers found endearing—a tortoise that makes a brief appearance, drawing positive reactions.
While it’s easy to critique the visuals and character designs, the narrative direction of this new adaptation appears to be taking a different approach. The trailer hints at a more elaborate plot, potentially transforming Snow White into a more active and empowered character who confronts her tyrannical stepmother. This narrative shift could resonate with younger audiences familiar with the tropes of young adult dystopian stories that gained popularity in the early 2010s.
Nonetheless, the visual aesthetics of the film seem to lack the vibrancy and creativity that characterized Disney’s original animated classics. The 1937 Snow White, being the first full-length animated feature, set a high bar for innovation, a standard that many feel is not being met in this modern iteration. As anticipation builds for the film’s release on March 21, 2025, fans of the original are left wondering if this remake will capture the magic of its predecessor or if it will continue the trend of disappointing adaptations of beloved classics.
