Why Disney’s ‘Snow White’ Remake Falls Flat on Its Face
Disney‘s live-action remake of Snow White, released in 2025, was highly anticipated. Fans of the original 1937 animated classic hoped for a fresh take on a beloved fairy tale. However, the remake falls short in many areas, failing to capture the magic and charm of the original film.
Disney’s ‘Snow White’ remake isn’t charming for a single second
One of the biggest issues with the Snow White remake is its lack of heart. The original Snow White had an undeniable charm. Its hand-drawn animation and music made it a timeless classic. The catchy songs, like “Heigh-Ho” and “Someday My Prince Will Come,” created a lasting connection with audiences. In contrast, the 2025 remake lacks memorable songs and the whimsical charm that made the animated version so special.
Additionally, the remake struggles with pacing. The 1937 film is just over an hour long, creating a fast, efficient story. It wastes no time in delivering its magical moments. However, the live-action remake feels dragged out, especially in the first half. The plot is stretched thin with modernized subplots, which sometimes feel unnecessary. These added elements slow the story and distract from the fairy tale’s essence.
Another flaw of the remake is the change in Snow White’s character. In the original, Snow White is a kind-hearted, innocent girl who wins the hearts of everyone around her. She’s a relatable and sympathetic character. In the 2025 version, Snow White, played by Rachel Zegler, is portrayed as a more independent, modern character. While this might seem like a step forward, it doesn’t feel true to the original fairy tale. The film’s attempt to make Snow White a feminist icon feels forced and detracts from her simplicity and purity that made the original character so appealing.
The visuals are not as beautiful as those in the original ‘Snow White’
The dwarfs, who were memorable in the original film, also fail to live up to expectations. In the 1937 film, they brought humor and fun to the story. They helped Snow White when she was in need, creating a strong sense of teamwork. However, in the 2023 remake, the dwarfs are given little screen time and lack the charm and personality of the animated version. They feel like background characters instead of important parts of the story.
Visually, the remake also falls short. While it is beautifully shot, the film doesn’t capture the whimsy of the animated version. The magical forests and the enchanting castle in the original had a certain warmth. They were drawn in a way that made the audience feel like they were stepping into a fairy tale. The live-action version, although visually stunning at times, doesn’t evoke the same sense of wonder. It’s a world that looks more like a backdrop than an immersive experience.
Gal Gadot does the remake no favors
Finally, the villain, the Evil Queen, played by Gal Gadot, doesn’t have the same menacing presence as the original. The Evil Queen in the 1937 film was a classic villain whose jealousy and vanity created a terrifying antagonist. In the remake, she feels painfully generic.
In conclusion, Disney’s Snow White remake fails to live up to the original 1937 film. While it tries to update the classic, it loses much of what made the original so beloved. The new film adds modern elements that feel forced and distract from the story’s simplicity. The remake may appeal to a new generation, but it cannot replace the timeless beauty of the original.
