Disney had announced this film as a radical change to eliminate the stereotypes present in the 1937 animated version; However, only superficial modifications have been made, such as Snow White is interpreted by a Latin actress or that the prince is now a thief in the style of Robin Hood.
With a colorful visual aspect and an aesthetic close to animation, as in the new versions of real action of Disney classics, Snow White It is advertised as a reinterpretation of the first feature film of the study and one of the most beloved by the public.
That film, quite innocent, for which Walt Disney received an honorary Óscar “for his great innovation” and for being “pioneer in a new entertainment field”, he has now become a more feminist version, although he maintains almost the entire history.
Controversial changes
Directed by Mark Webb, known by one of the sagas of Spider-Manthe film retains the most emblematic songs of the original, such as Height-ho (Ay-ho) either Whistle While You Work (Whistling when working), and introduces new themes for Zegler’s show.
However, in the new version, which has eliminated the reference to the “seven dwarfs” from the title, Snow White is educated by his parents to be “intrepid, fair, brave and true”, a motto that is constantly repeated in history. The film presents quoted scenes of the original and introduces new details, such as the fact that the protagonist plays the dwarfs, that the importance of beauty is born from the interior or that the prince – now thief – is subject to the wishes of her beloved.
The first controversy of the film arose with the choice of Zegler, an American of Colombian origin, with Latin features and a skin far from being “white as snow”, characteristic of the character of Snow White. To this was added that the actress criticized the 1937 version by ensuring that she was “extremely outdated in terms of the idea that women occupy roles of power.”
In addition, Zegler questioned Donald Trump’s victory in the last US elections: “There is a very deep disease in this country that is shown in the large number of people who presented themselves to support this man who threatens our democracy,” statements for which he had to apologize. These comments led to the film being listed as Woke (Progressive), which generated in Disney the fear that, when it was released, a movement arose Antiwoke.
The actress also published on her social networks the “Free Palestine” message, when her cast partner, Gal Gadot, who plays the stepmother, is Israeli.
However, Zegler has not been the only one to generate controversy. Disney’s decision to create the seven dwarfs by computer, with the argument of “avoiding reinforcing the stereotypes of the original animated film,” has been wrong.
“Without offending anyone, but I was a bit baffled when they were proud to choose a Latin actress to play the protagonist, but still tell the story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”Actor Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones). Dinklage added: “You are progressive on the one hand, but then you keep telling that retrograde story about seven dwarfs living together in a cave.”
Other films Live Action
Snow White It was one of Disney’s great bets for this year. The study announced the film in 2022, with Zegler as the protagonist, shortly after his debut as Maria in the new version of West Side Storydirected by Steven Spielberg.
This project follows the line of other Disney adaptations, which has become some of its animated classics, such as The lion king (The Lion King), The Little Mermaid (The Little Mermaid) either Aladdinall with very good box office results.
Therefore, the premiere of Snow Whitethat with a budget of 240 million dollars it was called to be a box office success, it arrives with lower expectations and after a minimum promotion campaign.
The main act, publicized once it had already been carried out, was Zegler’s interpretation of the subject Waiting on a wish in front of the Alcazar of the Spanish city of Segovia, which inspired the castle of the 1937 film.
Specialized media, such as The Hollywood ReporterThey estimate that in their first weekend in US cinemas it will not exceed 50 million dollars of collection. The real action version of The lion king (The Lion King) he got 191 million at its premiere (263 worldwide).