‘Surprising’ reactions to Disney’s controversial Snow White remake as first reviews are in
Ahead of the review embargo lifting, social reactions paint a promising picture.

The first reactions to Disney’s controversial live-action remake of Snow White have landed, praising the film and its lead actress Rachel Zegler as ‘enchanting’ and calling it one of the studio’s best re-imaginings in recent years.
Despite the movie attracting increasing backlash ahead of its release – with criticism focused on its casting, as well as CGI portrayal of the seven dwarfs and tweaks to the fairy tale’s story and a pared-back premiere approach – the feedback so far has been largely positive.
And early viewers have even sounded somewhat surprised to be applauding the movie after the constant condemnation it’s received ahead of release.
Calling it ‘one of their strongest ever remakes’, Metro’s film reporter Tori Brazier praised Rachel Zegler as ‘an enchanting lead’ and added: ‘All the story tweaks work well for a modern audience and, after 88 years, it’s a reimagining that makes sense.
‘It’s not perfect – the songs are a little hit and miss and the CGI dwarfs rightfully remain a contentious issue.’
Meanwhile, Variety’s Katcy Stephan went further, calling 23-year-old Zegler ‘a shining supernova in #SnowWhite, beautifully embodying the graceful, gentle nature of the OG Disney princess’.