‘SNOW WHITE’ CONTROVERSY: IS IT REALLY WORTH ALL THIS FUSS?
When it comes to film, there is always conversation about how it can define or break culture. From my perspective, filmmaking is another of those “which came first” questions; film that defines culture or culture that defines film. Perhaps it’s something of both too. Whatever it may be, some films get under people’s skin. One of the more recent films to do this is a Disney film, and so in light of this we are hashing out the Snow White controversy.
The controversy for this film started way back when (2023) the star and new Snow White Rachel Zegler made headlines for comments about this role. At a D23 event, she said, in part “…it’s no longer 1937. We absolutely wrote a ‘Snow White’ that — she’s not going to be saved by the prince, and she’s not going to be dreaming about true love. She’s dreaming about becoming the leader she knows she can be […] fearless, fair, brave and true.”
It was these comments that sparked a good deal of backlash, albeit even before this, there was plenty of commentary. The latter is very unfair. Before we even see footage, already the Internet is hot and bothered. However, I do think Zegler’s early days promotion for this film (originally set to release in 2024) were careless. Suggesting there is little about the original material that is good is not wise. You can think the original isn’t alright, but then I’d also make the argument that you shouldn’t then be starring in a remake if you really don’t see good in what you’re helping to readapt. She additionally said at that same D23 event that this version takes a “different approach” and that it’s not something that will be a “love story at all,” saying the scenes with the guy aka Prince Charming “could get cut.”
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‘SNOW WHITE’ CONTROVERSY: IS IT REALLY WORTH ALL THIS FUSS? Talking about the much discussed #SnowWhite controversy. #RachelZegler #Disney #Fairytale Share on X
In response to this, the Internet had many reactions, some of which included the following:
“Rachel Zegler admitting she didn’t like Snow White growing up, saying she had only watched it ONCE before getting the role is so sad to me. Out of MILLIONS of women who loved the character, care about the story and yet this is who we get,” read a post on X.
“Criticizing Disney princesses is not feminist. Not every woman is a leader. [Or] wants to be a leader. Not every woman wants or craves power,” someone said in a TikTok video with over 10 million views. “And that’s OK.”
“What doesn’t fit into my brain is why does a woman need to somehow be proactive, extraordinary, have this incredible successful career in order to be appreciated and in order to be considered a protagonist?” another TikToker asked in a video.
“I thought Rachel zegler ran over somebody grandma or sumn….. imagine my surprise,” from an X post
“Rachel Zegler did nothing wrong and all of you who bullied her off of social media are disgusting,” read another X post.
In a more recent interview with Vogue Mexico, Zegler says, this according to Variety, “I interpret people’s sentiments towards this film as passion” and in a seeming change, she further said, “What an honor to be a part of something that people feel so passionately about. We’re not always going to agree with everyone who surrounds us and all we can do is our best.”
Today’s film culture seems suggests women have to be strong and men have to be throwaways. Film culture of yesteryear is the same just with a reversal of sexes. In 2025, what I’m appalled at is that we’re still saying it has to be this way. Women can be rescued without it meaning they are weak. Women can be strong without this making them bitches or coming at the expense of expendable men.
What we should be seeing are stories that show us strong females and strong men. Characters we can love and root on. Someone’s weakness may be another’s strength and storytellers need to realize they can show this without it implying the character has no merit.
In a version of what I wrote in a pop culture roundup post on this Snow White controversy, I said:
Filmmakers do often put a “modern” spin on a timeless tale and I’ll be honest, it’s a toss up. Sometimes I like it and other times I don’t. However, the one thing writers are missing is that the love story doesn’t have to be a weakness. The actress is right, this is a different time. But she’s also wrong because neither of the films (the 1937 or 2025) is set in contemporary times. It’s still a fairy tale. The best writer can write a strong female lead and still work in a story with a prince who also has admirable strength, and viewers should still have the anticipatory fairy tale love story. Just like I said in a write up, just because the accepted cultural “narrative” is that men have “ruled” and now it’s women’s turn doesn’t mean that the solution is the opposite gender taking on the role.
There is beauty in partnership.
I think that the editorial commentary about Snow White is unfair. I also think people should watch movies with an open mind, because from my perspective, over half of the films I see do have some kind of compass that usually is moral. It may not always be the best version of having morals, but it’s an effort, and honestly, I appreciate that. Movies haven’t altered me in how I chose to live my life. I’m also able to separate a film like Snow White from reality because I know that it’s a fairy tale. That’s part of why I love it so.
Escaping into a world where Princes are strong and brave and good, and it’s cool to see a Princess fall in love while also bringing her own unique strength isn’t bad. It has its place in the storytelling world. Modern culture may say that something won’t work without dimming a character. I however believe this undermines any good character, no matter if their title is hero or heroine.
What are your thoughts? So you think this Snow White controversy has been fair or unfair? Will you be seeing the film? What are your thoughts on all of this commentary? Comment all of your thoughts in the comment section! Let’s talk.
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