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By: Hermione Kwok 

The highly anticipated 2025 remake of Snow White: The Seven Dwarfs was expected to be a huge blockbuster hit, reimagining the classic 1937 Disney animation for a whole new generation. However, what was meant to be a triumphant return to screen very quickly became a cautionary tale about how even the most beloved stories can falter when expectations are not met. Starring Rachel Zeglar as Snow White and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, this movie riddled with many missteps, leaving many Disney audiences disappointed and critics harshly reviewing the film? So, what went wrong? 

One of the main reasons for the film’s failure was its attempt to “modernize” the classic tale. This ended up feeling more like an entirely different story than the one the audience knew and loved for many decades and many generations. While remakes are a very common thing to do in Hollywood, there is a delicate balance between paying homage to the original and introducing new ideas. In this case, the film strayed way too far from the iconic elements of the story. The plot was altered in ways that detracted from the charm and simplicity of the original 1937 Disney version. Fans were expecting Snow White’s classic innocence, but instead, they were shown in a more complex, dark character arc, which failed to resonate with the younger audiences. 

The film’s casting seemed like a dream team: Rachel Zegler, a rising star, was cast as Snow White, and Gal Gadot, known for her role as Wonder Woman, played the Evil Queen. However, despite the star power, the performances fell flat. Zegler’s portrayal of Snow White was criticized for being too passive, lacking the depth and agency needed to carry such a strong character. Meanwhile, Gadot’s Evil Queen, while visually stunning, lacked the sinister charm that made the original Queen so memorable. The lack of chemistry between the leads, combined with underwhelming performances, resulted in a film that failed to engage audiences emotionally.

Another major factor in the film’s downfall was its over-emphasis on political correctness, which led to the removal of some of the original elements that gave the story its timeless appeal. The movie reworked the dwarfs into a more diverse group of characters, a change that was intended to be inclusive, but felt forced and disconnected from the original spirit of the film. The decision to alter this key part of the story sparked controversy and took the focus away from the plot and character development. Audiences were left feeling that the film was more interested in making a social statement than telling a captivating story.

Despite boasting impressive CGI and stunning visuals, the movie lacked the substance needed to justify its visual spectacle. The forest scenes were dark and beautifully rendered, but the lack of strong storytelling and character development left the stunning graphics feeling empty. There’s no denying the visual artistry that went into creating the magical world of Snow White, but without a solid narrative to back it up, all the glittering visuals couldn’t save the film from falling flat.

The final nail in the coffin came in the form of audience backlash. Fans of the original animated Snow White were vocal in their disappointment, criticizing the movie for failing to live up to the timeless quality of the 1937 film. The movie’s failure to balance modern sensibilities with traditional storytelling left a bitter taste for many viewers, resulting in poor box office sales and an overall lack of enthusiasm for the film.

In conclusion, while the 2025 Snow White remake had all the right ingredients on paper, it failed to deliver a satisfying cinematic experience. The over-emphasis on political correctness, weak performances, and a lack of connection to the original tale contributed to the film’s massive flop. Sometimes, in the world of remakes, less truly is more.