Disney’s Snow White: A Remake That’s Anything But Magical

Disney’s Snow White: A Remake That’s Anything But Magical delivers a cautionary tale of how poor decisions, controversy, and missed opportunities can derail a beloved classic. From questionable casting choices to awkward attempts at modernization, this live-action retelling of Disney’s first animated feature has sparked widespread criticism. Let’s explore why this remake feels more like a poisoned apple than a happily-ever-after.

The Controversy Surrounding the Premiere

The film has faced controversy long before its release. Martin Klebba, the actor who voices Grumpy and advises on the dwarfs, revealed that Disney scaled back the film’s premiere plans due to fears of public backlash. Instead of hosting a grand red carpet event, the studio opted for a modest affair at the El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles. Klebba suggested that Disney fears “blowback from different people in society,” particularly over Rachel Zegler’s casting as Snow White.

While a source close to the production claims that the event always planned to be a family-friendly afternoon screening, the whispers of controversy have undeniably overshadowed the film.

Rachel Zegler’s Casting and Backlash

Disney’s Snow White: A Remake That’s Anything But Magical sparked immediate backlash when Rachel Zegler, a Latina actress of Colombian and Polish descent, took on the role of Snow White. Critics argued that her casting clashed with the story’s Germanic roots, creating a cultural dissonance that many found hard to ignore. Zegler also endured racist attacks, which she addressed with grace and resilience.

However, her comments about the original 1937 film being “dated” and her description of Prince Charming as someone who “literally stalks” Snow White fueled further controversy. While she aimed to modernize the story, her remarks alienated fans of the classic tale. As one observer put it, “This truly is the worst casting in the history of the film industry. Has there been a film with worse casting than this? Rachel Zegler is one of the least charismatic actresses in the business, and she makes no sense for the role of Snow White.”

Gal Gadot’s Wooden Performance

One of the most glaring issues in the remake is Gal Gadot’s portrayal of the Evil Queen. Known for her roles in action films, Gadot delivers a performance that feels stiff and uninspired. Her lack of chemistry with Rachel Zegler undermines the central conflict of the story, making it difficult to believe that the Queen truly envies Snow White’s beauty.

As critics have pointed out, “The Evil Queen is supposed to be envious of Snow White’s beauty, and that is just not believable here. Even in a movie with magical mirrors, dwarves, and all the trappings of a fairytale, I can suspend disbelief for a world of magic. But I cannot buy that Gal Gadot is angry she’s not as beautiful as Rachel Zegler. It’s laughable.”

Moreover, Gadot’s performance lacks the over-the-top flair needed for a Disney villain. “This is a Disney villain—I need someone who can chew the scenery a little bit. Gadot just doesn’t have that in her. She’s not an actress who does big, theatrical performances, and that’s exactly what this role demands.”

The Beauty Mismatch

In this retelling, the Evil Queen should feel consumed by jealousy over Snow White’s beauty. However, Gal Gadot’s striking appearance overshadows Rachel Zegler’s Snow White, rendering the core conflict of the story unconvincing. This beauty mismatch highlights the film’s flawed casting choices.

The Dwarf Debacle

The remake also drew criticism for its handling of the seven dwarfs. Rather than casting real actors with dwarfism, Disney chose to use CGI to create “magical creatures.” This decision sparked backlash, particularly from Peter Dinklage, who accused Disney of hypocrisy for retelling a “backwards story about seven dwarfs living in a cave together.”

Martin Klebba, who has dwarfism and has appeared in previous Snow White adaptations, defended the use of CGI, explaining that finding seven little people actors to portray the dwarfs would have been challenging. However, the CGI characters lack the charm and personality of the original dwarfs, leaving fans disappointed.

A Film Caught in the Culture Wars

The film has become a battleground for the culture wars. Rachel Zegler’s support for Palestine and Gal Gadot’s advocacy for Israeli hostages further polarized audiences. The film’s attempts to navigate these controversies have only added to its troubles, making it a lightning rod for criticism.

Final Thoughts: A Remake That’s Anything But Magical

Disney’s Snow White: A Remake That’s Anything But Magical serves as a stark reminder that not every classic needs a modern update. From Gal Gadot’s wooden performance to Rachel Zegler’s controversial casting, the film illustrates how poor decisions can derail even the most beloved stories. Despite Disney’s efforts to modernize the tale, the remake feels more like a poisoned apple than a happily-ever-after.

In the end, this retelling misses the mark, failing to bring magic to a timeless classic. Sometimes, it’s better to let sleeping princesses lie.