Disney’s long-awaited live-action Snow White has finally premiered in Hollywood, and early reactions are overwhelmingly positive, with critics calling it a visually stunning and magical adaptation of the 1937 animated classic.
Variety film reporter Katcy Stephan described the film as a “visual feast” with “show-stopping new musical numbers” and a deeper character arc for Snow White, played by Rachel Zegler. She praised Zegler as “a shining supernova” and highlighted the screenplay’s efforts to give the heroine more depth and agency.
Online critic Christopher Rates It declared, “Snow White is not only one of [Disney’s] best live-action remakes in years, but it’s also a film that recaptures the magic of the 1937 movie.”
Paul Klein, editor at Filmhounds, also enjoyed the film, particularly the music and performances of Zegler and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen. However, he criticized the CGI representation of the seven dwarfs, calling the decision “baffling.”
A Modern Reimagining of a Classic
Directed by Marc Webb (500 Days of Summer, The Amazing Spider-Man), the film follows Snow White, a princess forced into exile after her evil stepmother (Gal Gadot) seizes control of her kingdom. With the help of seven dwarfs, she plots to reclaim her rightful place as ruler.
Unlike the original animated film, this adaptation modernizes Snow White’s character, focusing on her leadership ambitions rather than a love story.
“She’s not going to be saved by the prince,” Zegler previously stated at Disney’s D23 Expo. “She’s dreaming about becoming the leader she knows she can be.”
A Film Surrounded by Controversy
The journey to release has not been without challenges. Production, originally set to begin in 2020, was delayed until March 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, Peter Dinklage, an Emmy-winning actor from Game of Thrones, publicly criticized the film for using CGI dwarfs instead of casting actors in those roles.
Despite these hurdles, the film has emerged as one of Disney’s most anticipated live-action projects, with audiences eager to see how it honors—and redefines—the beloved fairy tale.
Release Date
Snow White is set to hit theaters on March 21, 2025.