Disney is not enjoying the start to 2025 it would have hoped for. Just two months into the New Year, things have taken a turn for the worse for the studio’s highly anticipated projects, including Captain America: Brave New World and Snow White. While the former’s troubles appear to be symptomatic of recent MCU releases, the live-action reimagining of one of Disney’s most beloved stories has ignited various controversies. It seems the film, starring Rachel Zegler, is facing an uphill battle.
The plans for a live-action adaptation of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs were first announced back in 2016. Almost a decade has passed since that announcement, yet the movie continues to find itself ensnared in a myriad of problems. For a film meant to bring joy and nostalgia to fans, the project seems doomed to fail, perhaps leaving Disney executives scratching their heads in disbelief.
Rachel Zegler, who has recently been in the spotlight for her role in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, has inadvertently become a focal point of the backlash. When Zegler expressed her discomfort with the romantic aspects of the original Snow White storyline, particularly saying the relationship felt “weird” because the prince “literally stalks her,” many fans were quick to react negatively. This criticism of the classic tale was met with a wave of discontent, leading to an uproar over the film.
The trailer for the live-action film further aggravated the situation. Almost immediately after its release, it became a focal point of scorn, accumulating thousands of dislikes. Viewers took particular issue with the portrayal of the Seven Dwarfs, who many described as looking “creepy” and “uncanny.” Fans speculated that the strange appearance was due to poor CGI or perhaps even AI-assisted design. Many expressed frustration that Disney didn’t simply cast actual dwarves, who could have brought authenticity to the characters. The reaction was almost instantaneous, with social media filled with discontent.
This negative feedback underscored a larger problem for Disney. The outcry around Rachel Zegler’s comments and the peculiar visuals of the dwarves may have significantly marred the film’s reputation ahead of its release. The sentiment was palpable, with comments like, “This looks AI generated; wish they would stop with these live-action remakes,” and “How is it live action when it’s creepy looking and obviously CGI dwarves?” representing just a fraction of the frustration among viewers.
With a scheduled release date of March 21, 2025, Disney might find itself pressed for time to remedy the damage caused by the trailer and Zegler’s remarks. As various quarters within the fanbase turn against the project, it begs the question: Is there any way for this film to recover?
Many industry watchers believe the situation may be beyond saving, as Disney banks on nostalgia to rescue this troubled venture. The fate of Rachel Zegler’s Snow White now hangs in the balance, along with the future of Disney’s live-action adaptations. As anticipation gives way to skepticism, it remains to be seen whether this once-beloved tale will resonate with audiences or be written off entirely. The film’s trailer, which sparked this widespread outrage, is available to watch online.
