Disney has released the first teaser trailer for its live-action adaptation of the beloved 1937 animated classic, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” per dailymail.co.uk. The trailer, unveiled at D23, offers a glimpse into the magical world of the fairytale, starring Rachel Zegler as Snow White and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen.
The film, directed by Marc Webb, appears to blend modern sensibilities with the timeless charm of the original story. Viewers are treated to enchanting scenes of Snow White interacting with woodland creatures and the iconic Seven Dwarfs, who are portrayed through CGI animation. The trailer showcases Snow White singing “Whistle While You Work” and dancing with the dwarfs in their cottage, echoing beloved moments from the original film.
However, the road to this adaptation has been fraught with controversy. Earlier reports suggested that Disney planned to replace the dwarfs with “magical (non-dwarf) creatures” in an effort to align with contemporary sensibilities. This decision faced significant backlash, leading to a delay in the film’s production for a major overhaul. The current trailer features only the animated dwarfs, leaving audiences to speculate about the final representation in the film.
Adding to the discussion, lead actress Rachel Zegler has made headlines with her comments about the original 1937 film. In various interviews, she expressed her dislike for certain aspects of the classic, describing the prince as a “stalker” and critiquing the storyline as “weird.” Zegler emphasised that the new adaptation would present a more empowered Snow White, focused on leadership rather than romance.
The trailer also introduces a new character named Jonathan, played by Andrew Burnap, diverging from the original Prince Florian storyline. This change aligns with Zegler’s comments about reimagining Snow White’s aspirations beyond finding true love.
Gal Gadot’s portrayal of the Evil Queen promises depth and complexity. The actress has hinted at exploring the character’s motivations, suggesting a nuanced approach to the classic villain.
As the film navigates the delicate balance between honouring a beloved classic and addressing modern sensibilities, it has sparked intense debate among fans and critics alike. The adaptation, set to hit theatres on March 21, stands as a testament to the challenges of reimagining timeless stories for contemporary audiences.
