Well, well, well, it seems that Disney’s latest attempt at a live-action fairytale has turned into a royal disaster. The long-awaited remake of Snow White was supposed to be a modern, empowering retelling of the beloved 1937 classic, but instead, it has become the most talked-about controversy in Tinseltown. And not in a ‘happily ever after’ kind of way.
From casting choices that left the internet in flames to on-set tension, let’s take a deep dive into how Snow White went from Disney’s golden apple to a poisoned mess.
A Not-So-Fair Princess?
Disney’s decision to cast West Side Story breakout star Rachel Zegler as Snow White was supposed to be a fresh, inclusive take on the iconic character. But instead of cheers, the internet erupted into chaos. Why? Because for some, Zegler didn’t fit the ‘fairest of them all’ description that the Grimm brothers penned centuries ago. Traditionalists were up in arms about a Latina Snow White, while others defended Disney’s decision to shake things up. The backlash only got worse when old interviews surfaced of Zegler expressing… let’s just say, less-than-glowing sentiments about the original film. Calling Prince Charming a ‘stalker’ and referring to classic Disney songs as ‘weird’ didn’t exactly win over the nostalgia-loving fanbase.
Zegler’s comments fueled a larger debate about whether Disney should be modernizing its classics or staying true to their original form. Was this about representation, or was it another example of Hollywood rewriting history for the sake of political correctness? The controversy wasn’t just about who should play Snow White—it became a reflection of the culture war raging in entertainment today.
But wait, darlings, it gets juicier.
The Seven What Now?
It wouldn’t be a fairytale without dwarfs, right? Wrong. In yet another controversial twist, Disney opted to reimagine the seven dwarfs as CGI-generated ‘magical creatures,’ reportedly to avoid reinforcing outdated stereotypes. The change was allegedly influenced by actor Peter Dinklage, who criticized the original story for its portrayal of dwarfism. But instead of applause, this decision sparked even more outrage.
Dwarf actors felt snubbed, claiming that removing their representation in favor of CGI robbed them of opportunities in Hollywood. Some argued that the classic tale wasn’t offensive, and Disney’s attempt to be progressive actually ended up excluding an entire community of actors. Fans of the original film were equally baffled by the creative liberties taken. Was this a step towards inclusivity, or just another example of Hollywood overcorrecting itself?
An On-Set Feud Fit for a Soap Opera
Hold onto your tiaras, because the real tea isn’t just about the movie itself—it’s about what happened behind the scenes. Reports have been swirling that leading ladies Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, who plays the Evil Queen, were anything but fairy tale besties. Allegedly, their differing political views led to some serious on-set tension, with sources claiming icy glares and passive-aggressive comments flew faster than a poisoned apple through the air.
While neither star has publicly addressed the alleged feud, insiders say that Zegler’s outspoken activism and Gadot’s strong political affiliations made for an awkward working relationship. With Zegler known for her progressive views and Gadot a former Israeli Defense Forces soldier, the two actresses reportedly clashed over discussions surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict. Hollywood has never been shy about mixing politics with entertainment, but when a children’s movie becomes a battleground for geopolitical debates, you know things have gone off the rails.
And if the behind-the-scenes drama wasn’t enough, test audiences reportedly had mixed reactions to the film itself, with some finding it ‘too preachy’ and lacking the charm of the original. But let’s be honest—was anyone really surprised at this point?
The Box Office Curse
With all the controversy leading up to its release, Snow White was poised to either be Disney’s next big hit or its biggest flop since, well, The Little Mermaid live-action remake (but let’s not get into that). And, surprise surprise, the numbers didn’t exactly paint a happily ever after.
The film opened with a yawn of a box office debut—just $43 million domestically against a massive $250 million budget. Yikes. Even the Magic Mirror would have trouble spinning that into a win. Critics weren’t any kinder, with a dismal 43% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a lackluster B+ CinemaScore.
Audiences also seemed divided—some praised the film’s attempt at modernization, while others felt it lacked heart and magic. One of the biggest complaints? The lack of iconic Disney songs and the changes made to Snow White’s personality. Instead of the sweet, dreamy princess from the original, the new Snow White was depicted as independent and uninterested in romance. While that might work for some, others felt it completely erased the spirit of the character.
For a company that once had the Midas touch when it came to princess movies, Disney suddenly seems to be turning its fairy dust into flop dust.
Disney’s Bigger Identity Crisis
The failure of Snow White isn’t just about one film—it’s part of a larger trend. Disney’s recent live-action remakes have all faced criticism for either being too safe (The Lion King, Aladdin) or too radically different (The Little Mermaid, Peter Pan & Wendy). The company seems caught between trying to appease modern audiences and staying true to their original magic, and it’s not working.
Even more concerning for the House of Mouse is the backlash from lifelong Disney fans. Many feel that the company has strayed too far from the core elements that made its films beloved in the first place. The debate isn’t just about one movie—it’s about whether Disney can still be trusted to handle its own legacy.
And let’s not forget about the financial impact. With multiple flops under their belt and increasing competition from streaming services, Disney can’t afford another failure. The studio is reportedly re-evaluating its approach to live-action remakes, but whether they’ll learn their lesson remains to be seen.
What’s Next for Disney’s Fairytale Future?
As the dust settles (or rather, as Disney scrambles to salvage its reputation), one has to wonder—will the House of Mouse learn from this fiasco? With audiences increasingly divided between wanting innovation and craving nostalgia, the company has found itself in a bit of an identity crisis.
There are rumors that upcoming live-action remakes, like Hercules and Lilo & Stitch, are being reworked to avoid similar controversies. But will it be enough? Or has the age of Disney dominance finally started to crumble?
One thing’s for sure, darlings—Hollywood is watching, and so are we. If Disney wants to keep its fairytale kingdom intact, it might want to rethink what kind of stories it wants to tell. Because right now, the only thing getting a sequel is their string of controversies.
Until then, darlings, you can bet that Hollywood—and all of us sipping tea from the sidelines—will be watching closely.
