"Snow White" Reimagined: A Deep Dive into Disney’s Live-Action Adaptation

Spoiler alert! We’re dissecting the plot of Disney’s new live-action "Snow White," now playing in theaters. Get ready for some major reveals!

The magic mirror has spoken, and the biggest change of all is… well, there are quite a few! After years of fervent (and often critical) online discourse, Disney’s reimagining of "Snow White," the beloved 1937 animated classic, has finally arrived. And contrary to some expectations, it emerges as one of the more successful live-action adaptations from the Mouse House.

This new "Snow White" boasts a harmless yet heartfelt narrative, featuring Rachel Zegler in the iconic role of the titular princess. Gal Gadot embraces the villainous mantle of the Evil Queen, bringing a new dimension to the classic antagonist.

While familiar melodies like "Heigh-Ho" and "Whistle While You Work" are noticeably absent, the film introduces a fresh soundtrack crafted by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the acclaimed duo behind "Dear Evan Hansen." These new musical numbers are designed to be catchy and contribute to the film’s overall emotional landscape. But beyond the music, what other significant alterations have been made, and what remains true to the original?

Expanding the Backstory and Character Development

One of the most notable changes lies in the fleshed-out backstory. Unlike the animated film’s brief introduction to Snow White’s life as a scullery maid under the Queen’s oppressive rule, the new adaptation dedicates considerable time to exploring her childhood. We witness her royal parents ruling with compassion, engaging in acts of kindness like baking pies for the villagers. The film also delves into the Queen’s insidious rise to power following Snow White’s mother’s death, showcasing how she gradually usurps control. Crucially, it highlights Snow White’s unwavering commitment to advocating for the common people, even amidst her own difficult circumstances. This expanded backstory helps establish Snow White as a character driven by compassion and a desire for justice, providing a strong foundation for her later actions.

The Prince Reimagined: Enter Jonathan, the Robin Hood-esque Hero

The classic tale features a prince who immediately falls for Snow White upon hearing her singing at a wishing well. However, the new film subverts this trope by replacing the unnamed prince with a charismatic Robin Hood-inspired character named Jonathan, portrayed by Andrew Burnap. Jonathan leads a band of outlaws who steal from the monarchy and redistribute the wealth to the impoverished, positioning him as a champion of the people.

Snow White and Jonathan’s initial encounter occurs at the castle when he is apprehended for stealing potatoes. During this interaction, Jonathan encourages Snow White to confront the Queen and embody the virtues of her father: "fearless, fair, brave," and "true." Their paths cross again in the forest, where Jonathan further exposes Snow White to the hardships faced by ordinary people under the Queen’s oppressive reign. This relationship shifts the dynamic from love at first sight to a partnership based on shared values and a commitment to social justice.

The Seven Dwarfs: Familiar Faces with Magical Twists

Despite pre-release speculation regarding the depiction of the seven dwarfs, the beloved characters largely retain their iconic appearances. However, the live-action adaptation employs visual effects to bring them to life, adding a modern touch to their familiar designs.

The film introduces new magical elements associated with the dwarfs. They claim to have known each other for nearly three centuries, hinting at a deeper, possibly supernatural, connection. Their hands mysteriously illuminate while searching for gems underground, adding a touch of wonder to their mining endeavors. Doc, voiced by Jeremy Swift, utilizes a special concoction of minerals to heal Jonathan after he sustains a crossbow injury while protecting Snow White.

Furthermore, the film develops a touching subplot centered on Dopey, often the subject of jokes due to his clumsiness and muteness. Snow White helps Dopey find his voice and boost his confidence. In a surprising twist, it is revealed at the end that Dopey has been narrating the film throughout, adding a layer of depth to his character.

The Huntsman’s Moral Dilemma and the Queen’s Desperate Measures

As in the original animated film, the Huntsman (Ansu Kabia) experiences a change of heart and refuses to kill Snow White. However, instead of presenting the Queen with a pig’s heart as proof, he simply places an apple in a box, hoping to deceive her. Ultimately, the Queen takes matters into her own hands, disguising herself as an elderly woman and offering Snow White a poisoned apple at the dwarfs’ cottage.

Awakening and Rebellion

In this version, Snow White succumbs to the poisoned apple and falls into a death-like slumber. The dwarfs place her on a stone slab adorned with flowers in the forest, maintaining a vigil until Jonathan arrives, having escaped the Queen’s dungeon. He kisses Snow White, breaking the spell and awakening her, not just to consciousness but also to a newfound determination to fight back against the Queen.

Confronting the Past and Restoring Justice

After poisoning Snow White, the Queen reveals a shocking truth: she murdered Snow White’s father, who had mysteriously disappeared from her life. Fuelled by this revelation and supported by the dwarfs and Jonathan’s bandits, Snow White vows to reclaim her parents’ kingdom and restore peace to its impoverished citizens.

Upon arriving at the castle gates, the Queen orders her guards to execute Snow White. However, Snow White recalls her mother’s advice to remember people’s names and appeals to the guards’ sense of decency, reminding them of who they were before they joined the Queen’s tyrannical regime.

Abandoned by her own forces, the Queen retreats to her throne room, where she shatters her magic mirror and is subsequently pulled into its enchanted vortex. This ending differs significantly from the animated film, in which the Queen meets her demise after falling off a cliff while attempting to crush the dwarfs with a boulder.

A Thoughtful Reimagining for a Modern Audience

Despite facing online criticism, this live-action "Snow White" incorporates timely and well-considered changes that largely avoid feeling forced or heavy-handed. Rachel Zegler’s portrayal imbues the iconic princess with a strength and agency that resonates with contemporary audiences, resulting in a happily ever after that feels genuinely earned. The film’s emphasis on social justice, female empowerment, and the importance of community makes it a relevant and engaging adaptation for a new generation.