The newly released trailer for Disney’s live-action Snow White has been met with a wave of criticism from both fans and critics alike, leading many to declare that Rachel Zegler’s portrayal of the iconic princess is a flop. Despite the film’s attempts to modernize the classic fairy tale, it seems the changes have not resonated well with audiences, and the trailer has quickly become one of the most divisive Disney projects in recent memory.

A Modern Take on Snow White – But at What Cost?

In this reimagined version of Snow White, Rachel Zegler portrays a much more opinionated, empowered version of the character, moving away from the passive, love-focused princess of the original. Instead of embarking on a journey to find true love, Snow White’s character is depicted as someone focused on leadership and power. Critics have expressed frustration with this shift, feeling that it undermines the traditional themes of the story. Zegler’s Snow White comes across as less interested in romance and more focused on “justice,” a concept that some feel is a low bar for what should be a heroic figure.

The Dwarves – Nightmare Fuel

Perhaps the most shocking aspect of the trailer is the reimagining of the Seven Dwarves. These new dwarves have been called “nightmare fuel” by many viewers, with their unsettling and grotesque appearance making them appear more suited for a horror movie than a family-friendly fairy tale. Even those who have defended other aspects of the film have not held back in criticizing the dwarves, with some describing them as “frightening” and “unrealistically creepy.”

The Evil Queen and the Beauty Debate

Another contentious change is the portrayal of the Evil Queen, played by Gal Gadot. In this version, the Queen is depicted as more attractive than Snow White, a drastic departure from the original story where the Queen’s jealousy of Snow White’s beauty is a central plot point. Critics have pointed out that this undermines the traditional narrative and turns the film into a story about “justice” rather than beauty and envy. The change in direction has left many questioning the overall purpose of this retelling.

The Prince’s Role Is Reduced

While the trailer does feature a prince, his role seems largely diminished compared to previous adaptations. The romantic storyline, once the heart of Snow White, takes a backseat as Snow White focuses more on her personal growth and leadership journey. Many fans are disappointed that the prince’s character is relegated to a minor role, stripping the story of its classic love angle.

The Press and Audience Reactions

The critical reception to the trailer has been overwhelmingly negative. Even industry giants like Variety and The Guardian have criticized the film, with The Guardian calling the trailer “hauntingly bad” and “arguably the ugliest thing ever committed to screen.” The trailer has been ratioed with more dislikes than likes, indicating the widespread displeasure of viewers. Critics have also mocked the film’s visual effects, particularly the terrifying redesign of the dwarves, which many feel has pushed the boundaries of what is acceptable in a family movie.

Will This Reimagining Succeed?

Despite Disney’s attempt to modernize the tale, it seems that Snow White has failed to capture the hearts of audiences. The decision to focus more on Snow White’s empowerment than her traditional love story, combined with the jarring redesign of key characters, has resulted in a film that many see as a desperate attempt to stay relevant. The trailer for Snow White may have garnered millions of views, but it also left behind a sea of disappointed fans, suggesting that this reimagining might be one of Disney’s biggest missteps in recent years.

In conclusion, Snow White is shaping up to be one of the most controversial releases in Disney’s live-action remake series. The negative feedback from critics and audiences alike suggests that the film, led by Rachel Zegler, may struggle to find its place in a world that still holds the original story dear. With its modern twists, bizarre character designs, and an empowered Snow White that many are not ready for, it’s clear that Disney has a lot of work ahead to redeem this version of the beloved fairy tale.