Disney's Snow White Live-Action: Is the CGI Dwarfs Twist a Hit or Miss?

The first official trailer for Disneyâs live-action adaptation of Snow White, directed by Marc Webb, was revealed at the D23 event in August 2024. This highly anticipated film is a fresh take on the beloved 1937 animated classic, offering a mix of familiar elements and new ideas.
Plot and Characters: A Modern Snow White
The trailer introduces West Side Story actress Rachel Zegler as Snow White and Wonder Woman star Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen. The plot follows the traditional Snow White story but with a modern twist. Unlike the classic character who waits for a prince to rescue her, Snow White is now portrayed as a more independent and strong-willed leader. In an interesting change, a new character named Jonathan, played by Andrew Burnap, replaces the traditional Prince Charming, shifting the romantic dynamics in the story.
In a departure from the original, the Seven DwarfsâBashful, Doc, Dopey, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, and Sneezyâwill be depicted through CGI. This decision has sparked controversy regarding the representation of dwarfism. Disney consulted with members of the dwarfism community to ensure that the portrayal avoids reinforcing harmful stereotypes from the original animated film. Despite these efforts, some fans have raised concerns about the portrayal, which continues to be a point of debate.
Since Disney wonât do itâŠhereâs the Snow White trailer thatâs been playing before WICKED. Enjoyđ pic.twitter.com/tOTCjNEF0u
â Steph Anie (@mynerdyhome) November 22, 2024
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Release Date: A Slight Delay
Originally set for release in 2024, the filmâs release has now been pushed to March 21, 2025, following delays caused by production issues, including the SAG-AFTRA strike. This new date marks the continuation of Disney's trend of revisiting their animated classics through live-action adaptations.
The trailer has sparked a range of reactions. Some fans are excited about the modernized Snow White, praising her independence and leadership qualities. However, there is also significant backlash, particularly from those who feel that the changes to the story, including Snow Whiteâs character evolution and the CGI dwarfs, go too far. Critics have even described the film as overly âwoke,â with some fans expressing disappointment over the alterations to a classic story.
The trailer also features snippets of the iconic songs from the original animation, such as Whistle While You Work. Fans can expect these familiar tunes, alongside new music composed by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, adding a fresh layer to the movie while honoring the original soundtrack.