The announcement of Disney’s live-action adaptation of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” has created excitement and debate on social media. As we eagerly anticipate its release, critics are raising questions about the film’s fidelity to the original, its portrayal of gender roles and its representation of diverse cultures. 

My friends and I got to chatting about this, and we had differing opinions on how we felt about the movie despite being genuinely excited all together in the past for other live-action adaptations like that of “Cinderella,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Little Mermaid.” 

“The movie will do well; however, Disney has to do it well because the original is such a classic,” said Nadia Cofer, a sophomore nursing major. “The actors they could’ve chosen could’ve been more on par with the characters in the animation and the CGI is a bit on the weirder side, but I believe that it could be a good movie once seen full through if done well.” 

The anticipation that my friends, peers and I generally have is all due to the nostalgia and huge fandom Disney has brought to our lives. 

“I am a huge Disney nerd. So, I am excited to see the film; however, I saw the trailer and the dwarfs look really unrealistic and creepy,” said Emma Heaslip, a freshman psychology major. “I am looking forward to the music, but I am also nervous because Snow White’s songs are so classic and timeless and I know the modern take is going to take some getting used to.” 

At first glance, the reimagining of the classic 1937 animated film seems like an opportunity for growth and progress. By casting Latina actress Rachel Zegler as Snow White, Disney aims to bring fresh representation to a story that has long been criticized for its Eurocentric narrative. 

This move aligns with broader industry trends prioritizing inclusivity and diversity in Hollywood, which many argue is necessary to reflect the world we live in today. 

“I love Rachel; do I think she looks like Snow White, no, but I am mainly looking at the acting and from what I saw in the trailer I feel like she is going to kill it on the big screen,” Heaslip said.

However, the decision has also faced backlash. Critics point to the potential for cultural appropriation and question whether the film truly honors the fairy tale’s European roots.

“Voice-wise I believe she was a great pick, but based on what the character looks like, in the original Snow White, I don’t think they chose the most adequate person for the role,” Cofer said. 

The original story, based on the Brothers Grimm tale, is steeped in specific cultural elements that some fear could be diluted or misrepresented in a contemporary retelling. Fans of the original might argue that altering Snow White’s ethnicity could undermine the authenticity and charm that made her character beloved for generations. 

“Disney’s 2025 remake of ‘Snow White’ comes over 87 years after the studio’s original animated film,” said Anthony Orlando, a writer for ScreenRant. “This marks the biggest gap between the release of an animated film and a live-action remake in cinema history. It’s easy to see how the live-action remake of Snow White was able to beat this record, as the original 1937 film was the first-ever feature-length animated movie produced by Disney.” 

With this unintentional gap of time between the original classic and the new live-action remake, a lot of questions can be raised in anticipation to see how the real-life version stands up against the animated version. 

Additionally, there are concerns regarding the film’s portrayal of gender roles. The animated Snow White was often viewed as passive and reliant on male characters for salvation. Recent conversations around feminism and female empowerment prompt questions about whether this new adaptation will empower its titular character or fall into outdated tropes. 

There are expectations that the film should not only retain the essence of the classic story but also provide a more enriching narrative arc that showcases Snow White’s agency and strength. Not only will this be an impactful visualization for young girls being introduced to the character in this generation, but will promote a sense of girl power going forward for the year. 

As production progresses and trailers begin to surface, audiences remain hopeful but vigilant. Disney has historically struggled with balancing nostalgia and modern sensibilities, often facing backlash over creative choices. It remains to be seen if this adaptation will rise above previous criticisms or simply serve as another example of a classic tale getting lost in translation. 

While the new “Snow White” adaptation presents an exciting opportunity for representation, it also comes with significant responsibilities. 

Ultimately, its success will hinge on how well it navigates the complexities of cultural authenticity and character development. Fans and critics alike are poised to see whether Disney can create a film that honors the legacy of the original while making strides toward a more inclusive future.