We have been following the controversies surrounding Disney’s production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, a film that 87 years later is certainly more problematic than potentially successful. So many issues have been revisited, from feminism to prejudice, that NOTHING about the film has gone uncritically, which leaves fans of the classic very anxious. However, there is one glaring difference that has not yet been highlighted: the screenwriter is none other than Greta Gerwig, the director who transformed Barbie into a pamphlet for the new generation of women. In other words? We have the right person for this complex project.

The first sign of what has “changed” in the work is in the title: the sensitive reference to the dwarves in the title has been dropped and only the name of the princess remains: Snow White. The actress who will play her is not Caucasian, it is the Latin American Rachel Zegler and her stepmother is the beautiful Gal Gadot. The Prince is not only called “Charming” and now has a name, Jonathan, played by Andrew Burnap. I will talk more about the changes below.

Filming was completed in July 2024 and the release date is already set: March 21, 2025. The one-year delay is also a consequence of the WGA and SAG strikes in 2023, which halted production.

There are rumors that in addition to the dwarves (which now include a woman) being the result of a prejudiced narrative, the issue of female competitiveness, represented by the Evil Queen’s magic mirror, would have to be excluded. As they want to emphasize, Snow White is a story of love, jealousy, and the triumph of good over evil. After having turned Barbie into a pop phenomenon in 2023, Greta being the one to direct the script is the difference that can reassure us.

Criticizing or praising, Greta Gerwig brought a modern and innovative approach to the Barbie universe, updating the character and the narrative in several significant ways. We can highlight 5 of them:

Feminism and Empowerment: Gerwig integrated themes of feminism and female empowerment, subverting the traditional image of Barbie as a simple symbol of beauty. Gerwig’s Barbie is portrayed as a multifaceted figure who can be strong, independent, and successful in many different areas.

Diversity and Inclusion: The film features a diverse range of characters, reflecting a more inclusive society. This includes Barbies and Kens of different ethnicities, bodies, and abilities, promoting a message of acceptance and representation.

Humor and Meta-narrative: Gerwig infused the film with a self-critical sense of humor and a meta-narrative that acknowledges and plays with Barbie‘s own history and controversies. This makes the film appealing to both children and adults, offering different layers of interpretation.

Complex Character: Gerwig’s Barbie is a more complex and three-dimensional character. Rather than simply being a perfect doll, she faces emotional dilemmas and challenges, making her more relatable and human.

Social and Cultural Issues: The film addresses contemporary social and cultural issues such as gender equality, societal pressure on physical appearance, and the impact of social media. This provides a critical reflection on the role of Barbie in modern culture.

A specific example of how this was done can be seen in the way the main character, played by Margot Robbie, navigates a world that constantly questions and redefines what it means to be a modern woman. In the end, Gerwig’s Barbie is not just a doll, but a symbol of endless possibilities and an invitation to reimagine what is possible for all girls and women.

With the director confirmed for Snow White, there is confidence that Disney is taking the right direction in revising its first princess. And let’s not forget that the La La Land team, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, are writing the soundtrack!

So we know we have a brunette Snow White, a prince who has the air of Robin Hood, modernizing the hero and possibly heating up their romance. In the original, he is very passive, almost “just Ken” and with this change, he will certainly be directly involved in the fight against the evil Queen.

It would be more secure if Greta were also directing, but that role is being played by Marc Webb, from 500 Days of Summer (one of my favorites) and The Amazing Spider-Man. He is great and with the material she is signing, it at least signals her desire to get it right. Here are some of the challenges:

Gender Representation: The traditional narrative of Snow White can be criticized for perpetuating gender stereotypes. Snow White is portrayed as a passive figure who needs to be rescued by a prince. This can reinforce the idea that women are fragile and dependent on men for their salvation and happiness. Not unlike Barbie before Greta Gerwick.

Beauty and Value: The story places a great emphasis on physical beauty as a value r central. The Evil Queen, obsessed with being the fairest, sees Snow White as a threat due to her beauty. This can be problematic as it perpetuates the idea that a woman’s worth is directly tied to her physical appearance.

Consent: The prince’s kiss that awakens Snow White has been criticized for issues of consent. Snow White is unconscious and unable to give consent, which raises questions about the appropriateness of the act.

Traditional Gender Roles: The story also reinforces traditional gender roles, with Snow White taking on domestic tasks for the dwarves, which can be seen as perpetuating outdated expectations about women’s roles in society.

Diversity and Representation: The lack of ethnic and cultural diversity in the original story can also be seen as an issue. The narrative is centered on white characters and does not represent the diversity of modern society.

These are just a few of the critical aspects that can be discussed regarding the story of Snow White in today’s culture. It’s important to remember that while these criticisms are valid, the story can also be reinterpreted and adapted in ways that respond to these contemporary concerns. Let’s see it in 2025!

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