The live action version of “Snow White” is finally here. Our JP gives his thoughts on the reimagining of the classic story with Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot.
Snow White
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
- Directed by Marc Webb
- Screenplay by Erin Cressida Wilson
- Based on Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs by Disney and “Snow White” by the Brothers Grimm
- Produced by Marc Platt, Jared LeBoff
- Starring Rachel Zegler, Andrew Burnap, Gal Gadot
About “Snow White”
Disney’s Snow White,” a live-action musical reimagining of the classic 1937 film, opens exclusively in theaters March 21, 2025. Starring Rachel Zegler (“West Side Story”) in the title role and Gal Gadot (“Wonder Woman”) as her Stepmother, the Evil Queen, the magical music adventure journeys back to the timeless story with beloved characters Bashful, Doc, Dopey, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, and Sneezy. “Disney’s Snow White” is directed by Marc Webb (“The Amazing Spider-Man”) and produced by Marc Platt (“The Little Mermaid”) and Jared LeBoff (“The Girl on the Train”), with Callum McDougall (“Mary Poppins Returns”) serving as executive producer, and features all-new original songs from Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (“Dear Evan Hansen”).
J.P.’s Take:
That Disney magic isn’t lost on this live action reimagined classic tale of “Snow White.”
While Disney is on the path of creating highly stylized and up to date cinema, they also continue to generate plenty of controversy. Of course, I’m not going to drag you through that here. Instead, I admit the amount of time and effort that goes into putting together a talented ensemble, not to mention the grand visuals, does enhance the experience. These elements certainly leave a lasting impression on movie goers.
Many Disney fans know the story of “Snow White” all too well. For that, they will find in this outing the story hasn’t changed too much, except for its contemporary narrative. In all honestly, many would find it best to have left the original story alone and intact, despite the modern time frame we’re living in today. Others may find it refreshing.
I felt for the most part “Snow White” did what it was designed to do and give the next generation a different perspective on an ages old fairy tale. Largely the focus falls on the evolved Snow White (Rachel Zegler) as she’s quite the independent princess than her animated counterpart.
The paradigm shift here is that Snow White no longer appears to be the damsel in distress. She is rather the young valiant princess, turned slave/prisoner of her wicked stepmother/queen. Now that the queen has enslaved Snow White’s mother and father’s Kingdom, she has not lost hope in returning it back to its former glory: one that was once a happy vibrant, healthy and loving community.
It’s a narrative not too far from what young girls and even boys could aspire to be in true life. I believe that is the point writer Erin Cressida Wilson and director Marc Webb, was trying to say with this rendition. However, the main themes of aristocracy, vanity, and unfettered authority remain the background story overall. And although those things may be too thought heavy for youngsters to comprehend, the overarching topic of good triumph acting over evil is easier to digest.
The cast was quite talented even the CGIed dwarves were giddy, silly and adorable enough to keep me watching. Zegler stars as Snow White, Gal Gadot portrays the Evil Queen, and Ansu Kabia takes on the role of the Huntsman, along with Patrick Page as the voice of the Magic Mirror. Andrew Burnap portrays Jonathan, a newly introduced character in this adaptation, who serves as Snow White’s romantic interest and resembles a Robin Hood-style thief. Furthermore, Hadley Fraser and Lorena Andrea portray the roles of the Good King and the Good Queen, who are the parents of Snow White.
I know I’ve mentioned many times that I’m not a huge fan of Disney movies, even though I grew up watching a good deal of them. I can’t hate on the fact they continue to pump out cheerful and frankly family friendly conversation pieces.
Personally, I felt the narrative and story of 2025’s “Snow White” was a bit flat and didn’t hit the spot climatically. Overall, movies like this may not hit the mark with all fans, but it will most likely spark a bit of nostalgia for the older viewers and a sense of enchantment with the new generation.
Official Site: Snow White
