Remaking Disney’s first animated feature, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” was destined for controversy, but its live-action adaptation might very well achieve remarkable box office success. The original film, which premiered in 1937, was a groundbreaking achievement in animation, crafted under the visionary talent of Walt Disney. He garnered immense acclaim for his innovative approach, as noted by The Hollywood Reporter, which stated that Disney had “carved for himself a permanent niche in the motion picture hall of fame.” This phrase captures the essence of Disney’s monumental accomplishment in bringing feature-length animation to life, setting a new standard in the cinematic world.
Fast forward to the modern era, and Disney’s new adaptation of “Snow White,” arriving in theaters on Friday, differs significantly from its 1937 predecessor. Despite being one of several live-action remakes spawned by Disney Studios in recent years, early reviews of the film have been gratifying, with critics praising lead actor Rachel Zegler and describing the project as “a visual feast” along with labeling it one of Disney’s “best live-action remakes in years.” Nonetheless, the film’s rollout hasn’t been without its hurdles, encountering various public relations challenges along the way.
One of the controversies surrounding the new “Snow White” involved its lead actress, Zegler, who faced criticism primarily due to her Colombian heritage. The internet backlash arose when some questioned how a woman of color could portray a character traditionally depicted as having “skin as white as snow.” In response to such scrutiny, Zegler asserted the importance of maintaining her beliefs despite the negativity, stating she would “shut it all off and just believe in what I believe in.” Such resilience in the face of criticism showcases the complexities of identity representation in contemporary narratives.
Further complicating matters, Zegler found herself embroiled in controversy again after her remarks regarding political issues surrounding former President Donald Trump’s election. Subsequently, she issued an apology for her statements. The film faced additional criticism when prominent actor Peter Dinklage described the story as “f***ing backwards,” particularly about the portrayal of the seven dwarfs, calling for a reworked approach. In response, Disney issued a statement indicating their commitment to a different interpretation of these beloved characters and their involvement with the dwarfism community during the film’s development phase.
This new rendition of “Snow White” reflects a conscious effort to adapt and modernize certain elements, evidenced by shortening the film’s title to simply “Snow White” and utilizing CGI technology for its ensemble of dwarfs. According to Zegler, one of the film’s primary focuses is to take a step back from Snow White’s historical love story, pivoting towards a narrative that emphasizes her personal journey and self-discovery instead. Critics have had mixed reactions, raising questions about departures from the original story’s established canon, yet Zegler insists the emphasis is on “inner journeys” and personal growth.
Interestingly, while the new adaptation grapples with 21st-century societal issues, the original Disney classic had its own share of skepticism. Walt Disney faced doubts from critics who dismissed the ambitious project as “Disney’s Folly.” However, the film’s success subsequently transformed the landscape of animated filmmaking, establishing Disney as a pioneering force in the industry, as he and his team transitioned flat, two-dimensional animations into vibrant, dynamic visual storytelling. “Snow White” not only initiated a legacy of animated films but also launched a prolific period for Disney, culminating in over ten feature-length animated films released between 1940 and 1950.
The original “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” adapted from the enchanting fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm, premiered at the Carthay Circle Theater in Los Angeles amidst a glittering crowd in 1937, generating historical significance. It remains one of the highest-grossing animated films, also noted as the first to release a purchasable soundtrack upon its debut. This triumph coincided with America’s recovery from the Great Depression, during which Disney’s effective marketing strategies led to considerable commercial victories through merchandise related to the film.
In recognition of its groundbreaking contribution to cinema, Disney was awarded an honorary Oscar in 1939, presented by Shirley Temple. This accolade acknowledged “Snow White” as a monumental innovation in motion picture history and contributed to the burgeoning animated content industry. With a modest budget of approximately $1.5 million at the time—equivalent to around $33 million today—the film garnered $8 million upon release, translating to roughly $174 million today.
As expectations for the modern iteration of “Snow White” set in, early industry estimates suggest it could earn between $48 to $58 million during its opening weekend, despite its hefty production cost of approximately $270 million. While those numbers may not qualify as a jaw-dropping box office smash, the weight of the original film’s storied legacy could indeed propel Zegler’s adaptation toward achieving noteworthy financial success in cinemas.