‘Snow White’ Live-Action Remake: A Modern Twist on a Classic Tale

The upcoming live-action adaptation of Disney’s “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” promises a fresh take on the beloved fairytale, with Rachel Zegler portraying a more empowered and independent version of Snow White.

In a first look image released by Disney, actor Rachel Zegler is seen donning the iconic blue and yellow dress of Snow White, alongside her beloved roommates in a cozy cottage set in the woods. Zegler, known for her role in Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story” adaptation, will be stepping into the shoes of the fairytale princess who first appeared in the Brothers Grimm’s 1812 collection.

However, Zegler’s comments on the original animated film have sparked some criticism. During a September 2022 appearance at Disney Fan Club’s D23 Expo, Zegler spoke about the modernization of the classic tale, stating that the new Snow White will not be saved by a prince or dreaming about true love. Instead, she will be focused on becoming a leader, inspired by her late father’s words of being fearless, fair, brave, and true.

While Zegler’s intention to bring a more empowered and independent Snow White to the screen is commendable, some social media users have criticized her for appearing in a film that she seemingly did not wholeheartedly embrace. They argue that not every woman aspires to be a leader or craves power, and that criticizing Disney princesses is not necessarily feminist.

In addition to Zegler, Gal Gadot will take on the role of the Evil Queen, who will attempt to end Snow White’s life through various ploys. The film’s release date has been pushed back by nearly a year, with the live-action adaptation now set to debut on March 21, 2025, instead of the original date of March 22, 2024.

As the release of the live-action “Snow White” approaches, it will be interesting to see how the film balances the classic elements of the story with the modern twist that Zegler and the filmmakers aim to bring. Whether audiences embrace this new interpretation of the beloved fairytale remains to be seen, but it is undoubtedly an exciting and highly anticipated project.

Note: This commentary is written for EcoReporter and focuses on the environmental aspects of the upcoming film.