by Disney’s live-action Snow White remake has surprised many with its initial reception following its Hollywood premiere. Despite months of skepticism fueled by online discourse, behind-the-scenes controversies, and changes to the classic story, early reactions have been largely positive. While not without its flaws, the film seems to have landed on par with Disney’s other live-action adaptations, capturing some of the original’s magic while offering a modernized take.
However, the film’s release hasn’t been without turbulence. The decision to replace actors with dwarfism with CGI versions of the seven miners has continued to stir debate, leading to protests at the premiere. Additionally, lead actresses Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot remain under public scrutiny due to rumors of a personal rift and differing political stances on global conflicts. These controversies, along with earlier criticisms regarding casting choices and story alterations, have cast a shadow over the movie’s debut.
Despite this, those who have seen the film so far have praised Zegler’s performance as Snow White, with some calling her portrayal enchanting. Others have highlighted the film’s visuals and new musical additions as strong elements. While some still have reservations, the early response suggests that Snow White may resonate with audiences looking for a fresh yet familiar Disney experience. The film is set to hit theaters on March 21, 2025.
Skyler Shuler of DisInsider had high praise for Snow White, even suggesting it could stand above many of Disney’s other live-action adaptations. She shared her enthusiasm, saying:
“I’ll admit I had my doubts, but Snow White is PURE DISNEY MAGIC! I think this could end up being a favorite live-action remake for a lot of people. If you enjoyed Aladdin or Cinderella, this will be right up your alley.”
Paul Klein of Filmhounds also had positive things to say about the film, particularly when it came to its musical elements. However, he couldn’t overlook the controversy surrounding the CGI dwarfs. He wrote:
“I might regret saying this, but Snow White is actually solid. The musical numbers were a real highlight, especially the opening sequence and the Queen’s standout moment. Zegler shines as the lead, and Gadot brings a lot of fun to her role. But I have to say, the decision to use CGI for the dwarfs is just puzzling—it really takes away from the film.”
‘Snow White’ Reactions Have Been Mostly Positive
Several other critics echoed similar sentiments, praising Rachel Zegler’s “outstanding” portrayal of Snow White, Gal Gadot’s “entertaining” take on the Evil Queen, and the film’s “stunning” production design and costumes. However, not everyone was won over by this modern retelling of the classic fairytale.
Carl Kaka of Future of the Force was far less impressed, writing:
“While Gal Gadot delivers a strong performance as the Evil Queen, Snow White falls short as a remake of the animated classic. Rachel Zegler doesn’t quite fit the role, the changes to the story and lyrics don’t work, some of the special effects miss the mark, and overall, the film just didn’t resonate with me. A real disappointment.”
As with most of Disney’s live-action adaptations, Snow White was never going to receive unanimous praise. Given the challenges and controversies leading up to its release, the initial reactions have been more positive than many anticipated. The full critical response will become clearer once the review embargo lifts later this week. From there, the film will face the court of public opinion when audiences finally get to weigh in after its official release on March 21.
