Disney Studios released the trailer for the live action “Snow White” film. Prepare to be disappointed.
“Snow White” is bound for theaters March 21, 2025, and already sparked internet controversy. Several public figures have expressed disdain for Disney’s casting of the leading role, but that isn’t the real issue.
Some people are accusing Disney of “blackwashing” for casting Rachel Zegler, a Columbian American, as Snow White.
This accusation is ridiculous, inaccurate and reminiscent of the controversy over Halle Bailey’s role as Princess Ariel in the 2023 live action Little Mermaid film.
Filling the role of a fairytale character with someone who doesn’t look exactly like a 1937 cartoon doesn’t deserve cries of “reverse racism.” Outrage surrounding this casting decision for the movie is displaced.
The real issue with casting for “Snow White” isn’t the Princess, the Prince, or the Evil Queen. It’s Disney’s decision to use CGI rendering for the seven dwarves.
Martin Klebba is the voice and inspiration for all seven dwarves in this film. In 2012, he played “Butcher” in the non-Disney Snow White film “Mirror, Mirror.”
Casting one individual with achondroplasia, commonly known as dwarfism, leaves empty roles that should’ve gone to other actors with the same condition; actors who often struggle to find roles.
Outside of my disappointment in the film’s casting, the costume and wig are atrocious for the beloved Disney Princess.
Snow White’s 1937 ensemble with a soft yellow skirt, navy blue and red bodice with a white collar is almost completely lost in the new movie. Instead, she wears a neon version of the dress and loses all charm and detail that was originally put into the character design.
The live action hairstyle is lighter and shorter than the original, and it lacks significant details like the red bow headband Disney fans are familiar with.
The original “Snow White and the Seven Dwarves” costume design has been adapted for use in Disney parks, theatres and small businesses that host princess character events.
As someone who works for a princess character company, I’m excited to see Snow White become a more popular princess, but I hope the new costume doesn’t become the expectation.
Ultimately, viewers must wait until March to form final judgments. As for now, I can say that the live action “Snow White” doesn’t meet the standard set by other live action adaptations.