Disney’s highly anticipated live-action remake of Snow White has finally arrived — but not with the fanfare or magic many expected. Once heralded as a potential hit, the 2025 film has instead become a striking case study in how not to revive a beloved classic. Starring Rachel Zegler as the titular princess and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, the movie’s journey from bold reimagining to box office bomb has been nothing short of disastrous.
A Visual Letdown from the Start
From the opening scenes, Snow White feels more artificial than enchanted. The film is heavily reliant on CGI — not to enhance the fairy-tale world, but to fill in nearly every backdrop, creature, and environment. Unfortunately, the visual effects fall far short of modern standards. Scenes switch awkwardly between overly saturated lighting and dull, grayscale palettes, creating a jarring viewing experience. Authentic locations are few and far between, making the entire film feel oddly disconnected from reality.
A New Snow White — And a New Explanation
In one of the film's most unnecessary choices, the narrative takes time to explain that Zegler’s character isn't called Snow White because of her appearance — but because she was born during a snowstorm. This awkward retcon feels like a preemptive defense against criticism and ultimately adds little to the story.
Costuming does little to support the film’s aesthetic. Zegler’s wig has been widely mocked online for making her resemble Shrek’s Lord Farquaad, and the rest of the wardrobe appears cheap and uninspired. Even iconic outfits, like Snow White’s signature dress, appear suddenly with no narrative justification, undermining any attempt at world-building.
Weak Dialogue and Weaker Performances
If the visuals are a letdown, the performances are even more so. Zegler — a gifted singer — struggles with the acting demands of the role. Her portrayal of Snow White lacks the charm, warmth, and emotional depth needed to anchor the film. She often appears confused, as though performing in a stage rehearsal rather than a finished feature.
Gadot, known for her screen presence, fares no better. Despite her natural charisma, her performance as the Evil Queen is hampered by uninspired dialogue and poorly produced musical numbers. The songs, created specifically for this adaptation, are overproduced and unmemorable — a major flaw in a movie attempting to position itself as a modern musical.
Narrative Chaos and Questionable Pacing
Editing issues plague the film throughout. Abrupt scene transitions, poorly handled reshoots, and confusing story rewrites contribute to a disjointed and inconsistent narrative. Characters appear and disappear as needed, travel inexplicably, and make illogical decisions without setup or resolution.
The pacing is equally erratic. Some scenes drag on needlessly, while others skip over important developments. Snow White’s transformation from hidden prisoner to presumed leader of the people is delivered without weight or logic — the townspeople simply recognize her because she’s wearing a red cape.
The Dwarfs Reimagined — and Nearly Erased
In one of the most controversial changes, the iconic Seven Dwarfs are largely sidelined. Their screen time is minimal, their impact on the story negligible. Rather than being charming or quirky, their redesign and limited involvement feel like afterthoughts — a lost opportunity to retain some of the original film’s heart and humor.
Political Controversy and Backpedaling
Leading up to its release, Snow White was mired in political controversy. Comments made by Zegler on social media — including sharp criticisms of Donald Trump supporters and dismissive takes on the original 1937 film — alienated a significant portion of the potential audience. As backlash grew, Disney appeared to backtrack. The once-hyped “girlboss” reimagining was softened in reshoots, and a romance subplot was awkwardly added, likely in a bid to appeal to more traditional viewers.
Yet these eleventh-hour edits only made the film more confused. The story’s tone vacillates, unsure whether it wants to be a progressive rework or a nostalgic revival. In the end, it manages to be neither.
A Franchise in Crisis
What was once a cornerstone of Disney’s animated legacy has now become a symbol of its creative misfires. The live-action Snow White remake fails on nearly every level — visually, narratively, emotionally, and politically. Even the film’s arrival on Disney+ hasn’t helped its reputation, with critics and audiences alike calling it one of the worst remakes in recent memory.
Snow White is not just a misstep — it's a cinematic warning sign. With once-beloved IPs being handled with such careless revision, Disney may find that nostalgia alone is no longer enough to guarantee success.
Final Verdict
For all its ambition, Snow White falls victim to poor execution, muddled storytelling, and hollow performances. Whatever magic Disney once conjured in the original has been lost in translation — buried beneath bad CGI, awkward political messaging, and uninspired filmmaking. For fans of the classic tale, this remake is a grim fairy tale in every sense of the word.
