In Spring of 2024, the casting of Snow White in the new action movie has led many shocked with this choice. As well as how outspoken she is during interviews have changed how the public sees this Disney classic. Also, Disney’s choice to depict the seven dwarves has left mixed feelings for this movie. However, others show support for  the action. A way for society to accept new norms. For the students of Spring Valley, many wonder if the casting director was really in the right mind when depicting such beloved characters. 

Rachel Zegler has been picked to play Snow White. She has played roles in movies like The Hunger Games and West Side Story. She started acting at the age of 17 and is a Colombian-Polish at that. Yet, she was still casted to play Snow White. A woman known for having skin as white as snow according to the original story writer. Many have labeled this action as racist, especially after The Little Mermaid movie casting last year. Disney had allowed Halle Bailey, a black actress, to play Ariel in the Little Mermaid. It seems they are letting the same thing pass for Snow White as well. 

“Yes I feel it is okay to have creative freedom when creating a story,” said Junior Jason Phillips. ”However, calling it the same story after the changes is a little weird.”

“It feels like they are using the Snow White title to make money for their own movie idea,” Jason adds.

There has also been a choice to remove the casting for the dwarves.  A choice Disney made by themselves. Actor Peter Drinklage criticized the decision of Disney. He says how they are trying to create Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. Not their own little iteration. Disney’s response to these claims had led them to choose CGI to animate the dwarves. They hope to create the “magical creatures” with CGI because they don’t want to reinforce stereotypes.

“I think there should still be some actors portraying the role of the dwarves,” said Kayla Lamatrice. “Yes CGI is the future, but there are a lot of people who could play these roles.” 

In interviews during the press tour, Rachel Zegler said that her version of Snow White will not be saved by a prince. Since she is the actor playing the role, she wants to be able to do what she wants. She wants Snow White to be seen in a more modern way of depicting women. 

“I think these changes were said to gain more viewers on release date,” said Junior Kiara Crisostomo. She believes this is just a publicity stunt similar to how other movies advertised theirs before release date.

”I still believe that they should stay with the original script instead of changing it,” said Kiara. She believes that changing the plot of such an important story removes its true meaning. 

With the movie drawing closer to the release date, many wonder if the movie will really succeed. With a 100 million dollar budget, the story seems to be making changes that are questionable. Will it really reach the success that its 20th century counterpart brought?