Walt Disney Studios returns to one of its most iconic properties with Snow White (2025), a live-action reimagining of the 1937 animated classic that launched the Disney princess legacy. Directed by Marc Webb (The Amazing Spider-Man, 500 Days of Summer) and starring Rachel Zegler (West Side Story) as Snow White and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, the film aims to blend traditional fairytale wonder with a modern sensibility.
But does it work? The answer is complicated.
A Bold, Diverse Casting Choice That Mostly Delivers
Rachel Zegler takes on the enormous responsibility of portraying one of Disney’s most recognizable characters—and she mostly succeeds. Her Snow White is stronger, more independent, and more in control of her fate than her animated predecessor. Zegler’s vocal performance shines, and her presence on screen is genuine and heartfelt. While her casting drew some online controversy early on, her portrayal proves she was a solid choice for the role.
Gal Gadot, meanwhile, embraces the role of the Evil Queen with dramatic flair. Her villain is grandiose, over-the-top, and enjoyable to watch—even if at times her performance feels more theatrical than terrifying. Still, her screen presence adds weight and elegance to the character.
Visual Spectacle Without Cohesive Magic
Visually, Snow White (2025) is stunning. The production design captures a fairy-tale atmosphere, with vibrant costumes, detailed sets, and impressive CGI elements. However, for all its visual flair, the film struggles to create a consistent tone.
The story often feels disjointed, jumping between whimsical musical numbers and darker, more grounded emotional moments without a smooth narrative flow. At times, it’s uncertain whether Snow White (2025) wants to be a fantasy adventure, a character-driven drama, or a musical tribute to Disney’s golden age.
A Script That Falters Under the Weight of Expectations
One of the film’s biggest issues lies in its screenplay. Attempting to modernize the story while honoring its legacy is a noble goal, but the script falters in execution. The result is a narrative that feels caught between eras—too progressive for purists and too nostalgic for modern audiences.
The dwarfs, for instance, have been reimagined in a more “inclusive” light, but this change has proven divisive. Some appreciate the effort to move past outdated tropes, while others feel the film strips away too much of the original’s charm.
Critical Reception and Box Office Outlook
Critically, Snow White (2025) has received mixed to negative reviews, with a 27% Top Critics score on Rotten Tomatoes at the time of writing. While U.S. outlets like Variety have praised Zegler’s performance, UK media have been more scathing in their assessment of the film’s storytelling and direction.
Box office projections are also underwhelming. Analysts estimate that the film will bring in around $45 million on opening weekend, far below expectations for a tentpole Disney release. For comparison, live-action adaptations like Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin had significantly stronger debuts.
The Verdict: Visually Striking, Emotionally Unsteady
Snow White (2025) is a brave attempt at reinventing a timeless tale for a new generation, but it ultimately stumbles in its effort to please everyone. With standout performances from Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot and top-tier production design, the film has its moments—but inconsistent tone, uneven pacing, and a polarizing script prevent it from becoming a modern classic.
Still, it’s worth a watch for fans of Disney’s evolving live-action catalog and for those curious about this new vision of Snow White’s world.
