Why Disney’s ‘Snow White’ Remake Fails Compared to ‘Cinderella’
Disney has made a name for itself with live-action remakes of its classic animated films. While some have been met with excitement, others have fallen flat. Among the most praised remakes is Cinderella (2015), which stands out as a more successful adaptation compared to the 2025 Snow White remake. While both films attempt to modernize and reimagine beloved stories, Cinderella did it far better.
‘Cinderella’ expanded on the original while ‘Snow White’ muddled a classic story
One reason Cinderella stands out is its faithful yet fresh approach to the original story. Directed by Kenneth Branagh, the film kept much of the magic of the animated classic while adding new depth to the characters. The lead role of Cinderella, played by Lily James, was both charming and relatable. The film did an excellent job of blending the fantasy elements with a grounded, human touch. The transformation scene, the fairy godmother, and the iconic glass slipper were still there, but the characters felt more real and accessible.
In contrast, the Snow White remake struggled to find a balance between modern sensibilities and the fairy tale’s traditional elements. The changes made to the character of Snow White, played by Rachel Zegler, did not seem to enhance the story but rather muddled it. The film didn’t make Snow White the strong, independent character it tried to present. Instead of capturing the essence of the original, it often felt like the story lost its magic.
Another key difference lies in the supporting characters. In Cinderella, the prince, played by Richard Madden, was given more depth and agency, making their love story feel more believable. The fairy godmother, played by Helena Bonham Carter, was whimsical and full of life, and the stepmother, played by Cate Blanchett, brought a delightful level of menace to her role. These characters were memorable and added layers to the story, rather than feeling like mere background players.
‘Snow White’ doesn’t have the visuals of ‘Cinderella’
On the other hand, the Snow White remake had a tendency to focus too much on contemporary issues, sometimes at the cost of the story’s charm. The film’s focus on Snow White’s empowerment, though well-intentioned, felt overdone and took away from the fairy tale’s timeless appeal.
Visually, Cinderella also far exceeded Snow White. The lush costumes, the breathtaking ball scene, and the magical atmosphere all worked together to create a world of wonder. The design choices were stunning and enhanced the storytelling. In contrast, Snow White sometimes felt more muted in its visuals, failing to capture the vibrant and magical elements that made the original animated film so memorable.
‘Cinderella’ had the far better pacing
Finally, the pacing of Cinderella was much more fluid than that of Snow White. The 2015 remake found the perfect rhythm, mixing action, romance, and heartwarming moments seamlessly. However, the pacing of Snow White was uneven, with parts dragging on longer than necessary, making the film feel less cohesive and more drawn out.
In conclusion, Disney’s Cinderella remake succeeded because it honored the original story while adding layers of depth and character development. The film struck the perfect balance between tradition and modernity. Meanwhile, the Snow White remake, while ambitious, missed the mark by trying too hard to be relevant and lost the magic that made the original so beloved. Cinderella remains the gold standard for Disney’s live-action remakes, proving that sometimes, less is more.
