The live-action remake of Disney’s Snow White premiered in Los Angeles on Saturday, with stars Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot walking the red carpet. Despite rumors about tension between them, both actresses appeared to be in high spirits, smiling and posing for pictures together. As the first reviews of the film have surfaced, it looks like Disney might have a hit on its hands after years of controversy surrounding the project.
Snow White’s Positive First Reactions
The initial reviews of Snow White have been mostly positive, with many critics praising Rachel Zegler’s performance as the iconic princess. Katcy Stephens of Variety shared her thoughts, calling Zegler “a shining supernova” and praising her ability to capture Snow White’s gentle and graceful nature. The film is also highlighted for its “visual feast” and its new musical numbers. The screenplay is said to give Snow White more depth by focusing on her desire to become a leader, just like her late father had hoped for her. There’s also a sweet love story that adds warmth to the film.
Praise for Rachel Zegler’s Performance
Many critics have specifically highlighted Zegler’s performance, especially her singing voice. Ash Crossan from Screen Rant mentioned how charming the movie was, saying that Zegler’s voice was “stunning” and that it almost brought her to tears. In a similar vein, Matt DeGroot of CrookedMedia acknowledged the film’s negative press but said that Disney’s remake was actually successful. He described Zegler as “an absolute star” and praised the film’s catchy new songs and its vibrant visual style. He also noted that Gal Gadot, who plays the Evil Queen, looked stunning in her beautiful gowns.
One review described Snow White as “PURE DISNEY MAGIC,” expressing excitement about how it might become a fan-favorite among Disney’s live-action remakes. With the movie’s positive reception, it seems that Disney might have been able to overcome some of the earlier concerns surrounding the film.
The Story Behind “Snow White”
Snow White is a musical fantasy film directed by Marc Webb, with a screenplay by Greta Gerwig and Erin Cressida Wilson. This live-action version of the 1937 animated classic Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is based on the original fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm. The movie is set to release in theaters on March 21, 2025, bringing a fresh twist to the well-loved story.
Controversies Surrounding the Film
The controversy surrounding Snow White started back in 2021, with some fans expressing concern over Rachel Zegler’s casting as the lead. Zegler, a Latina actress, was cast as Snow White, a character from a German fairy tale who is famously described as “the fairest of them all.” Some critics quickly labeled this casting choice as “woke,” especially given that Snow White’s traditional portrayal has been tied to Western ideals of beauty.
In response to this, Zegler, who is of Colombian and Polish descent, defended her casting choice, tweeting, “yes i am snow white no i am not bleaching my skin for the role.” However, the controversy didn’t end there. Zegler further angered some Disney fans when she made comments about the original 1937 animated film, calling it “weird” because Snow White’s love interest was “a guy who literally stalks her.” These comments sparked backlash from those who were fond of the original film.
To add to the drama, Zegler’s social media posts have included the phrase “Free Palestine,” which caused tension due to political divisions. Gal Gadot, who plays the Evil Queen, also faced some backlash for her public support of Israel, creating a divide between some fans and the stars of the film.
Looking Ahead
Despite the controversies that have surrounded Snow White, early reviews of the movie suggest that it could be a successful live-action remake for Disney. With Rachel Zegler’s performance getting praise and the film’s visuals and music receiving positive reactions, fans may be in for a magical experience when the movie is finally released in March 2025. It remains to be seen how the film will perform at the box office and whether it can win over critics who have been skeptical of the project.
