Like many live-action adaptations that have come before it, Disney’s 2025 remake ofSnow Whitehas had critics and audiences split, yet one thing is abundantly clear;Rachel Zegler’s Snow White is an improvementon the original. In 1937, Disney made history by releasingSnow White and the Seven Dwarfs,its first ever animated feature. Because of its gorgeous visuals and heart-warming story,Snow Whitebecame an instant classic, and has remained an important part of countless childhoods. However,due to its age,Snow Whitedefinitely benefited from some remodeling in 2025.
That isn’t to say thatSnow White and the Seven Dwarfsis bad. There is no denying that the movie is not only a beloved classic, but also had a massive impact on the world of animation. Yet, certain elements of the movie have aged less well than others. The most notable of these is Snow White herself.Disney’s original princess is easy to love, but doesn’t quite prove herself to be much more than a maidenin need of saving. Luckily,2025’sSnow Whitereinvents the princessin admirable ways.
8Zegler’s Snow White Is Visually Better Than The Original
Snow White Has New & Improved Outfits
One of the first things audiences may notice when watching 2025’sSnow Whiteis that the visuals are far better than what was available in 1937. Obviously, there is a vast difference between 2-D animation and live-action, but the difference is deeper than that.Zegler’s Snow White comes to life in a way that exceeds the originalanimation. Her face and her movements, in particular, are more human and emotive than those of the cartoon.
How Every Snow White Character Looks In Live-Action vs Animation
Disney has brought another of its animated classics to life with a live-action remake of Snow White, but how do each of the main characters compare?
On top of that, Zegler’s Snow White honors and updates the Disney princess via clothing. In the first segment of the film, she wears a pink, patterned dress that is far more detailed than the original piece Snow White wore in 1937. Even better is her iconic yellow and blue dress, which has a sparkly tulle skirt and various updated details, from ribbons to fabrics. In this way,Zegler’s Snow White is more visually striking, and adds depth to the iconic outfitsthat audiences were already expecting.
72025’s Snow White Has A Deeper Backstory
Snow White’s Connection To Her Father Is Compelling
Another update that viewers will discover right away in theSnow Whiteremake is the protagonist’s new backstory. Originally, Snow White is characterized as a princess whose parents died and who is now under the thumb of her cruel stepmother. This situation still stands in 2025, but has some added depth. Namely,Snow White’s parentswere beloved rulers who instilled in her ideals of bravery and fairness.These themes follow Snow White throughout her entire story and give her a motivationthat the animated princess did not have.
Snow White’s connection to her father is particularly interesting. In the 2025 film, Snow White isn’t entirely sure what happened to her father, giving her hope that he could still be alive. Once again,this gives Snow White something to fight for and a mystery to solve apart from just trying to survivethe Evil Queen’s assassination attempts. It is also quite heartwarming to see Snow White’s relationship with her father, who cared so deeply about his people, and passed this down onto her.
6Zegler Gives Snow White A More Modern Voice
Snow White’s New Songs Add To Her Story
One element of 2025’sSnow Whitethat can be totally attributed to Zegler herself is her voice. Based onZegler’s past rolesinWest Side StoryandThe Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,it is no surprise that Zegler has an incredible voice. However, in the context ofSnow White,it is really notable.Zegler updates the operatic soprano of Snow White to something more modern and inspiring, while also maintaining certain elements of Adriana Caselotti’s performance. Now, Snow White’s songs feel more like tunes that audiences can sing along to a la “Let It Go.”
On the other hand, Zegler’s main song is “Waiting on a Wish,” a ballad that is more focused on Snow White herself and her desire to be brave rather than waiting for a prince.
Speaking ofSnow White’ssoundtrack, her new songs also help to expand her story. Originally, Snow White sings “Someday My Prince Will Come,” a song which implies that Snow White can only improve her life if someone comes to save her. On the other hand, Zegler’s main song is “Waiting on a Wish,” a ballad that is more focused on Snow White herself and her desire to be brave rather than waiting for a prince. Meanwhile, “A Hand Meets A Hand” gives Snow White her romantic desires.
5Snow White’s Romance With Jonathan Is Improved
2025’s Snow White Maintains True Love’s Kiss In A Good Way
When considering aSnow Whiteremake, many likely expected Disney to update Snow White’s romance with the prince, which had little to no development. This change did occur, and in a very interesting way. Rather than being a prince who saves Snow White,Jonathan is a thiefwho is actually saved by Snow White, and then vice versa.The two come from vastly different backgrounds and belief systems, but over time, realize they want the same thingsfor their people. Their connection grows more subtly and with more conflict.
One element of the original that 2025’sSnow Whitedid keep was the kiss. After Snow White eats the poisoned apple and goes into a coma, it is revealed that the only thing that will save her is true love’s kiss. Jonathan arrives, unaware of her condition, and in a moment of sadness, gives her a kiss, unexpectedly waking her. With their deepened backstory, this kiss is much less creepy and more charged with emotion. Plus,becauseSnow Whitechanges a lot about the main character and her love interest, keeping this scene ended up being pivotal.
42025’s Snow White Adds A Special Scene With Her & Dopey
Snow White’s Kindness Is Also Wise
In terms of character relationships,another exciting new connection Snow White makes is with Dopey. Afterthe other seven dwarveslaugh at Dopey, he storms out and Snow White follows. She tries to understand why he doesn’t speak, and when she discovers that it is fear holding him back, she suggests he try whistling instead to let his emotions be known. This puts new life into Dopey and cleverly leads into “Whistle While You Work.”
Why Dopey Talks In Disney’s Live-Action Snow White But Didn’t In The Original Animated Movie
2025’s remake of Snow White gives Dopey a voice, which is a big departure from the character’s original appearance almost 90 years ago.
Aside from the fact that Snow White and Dopey’s new relationship is sweet, it also shows that Snow White is not just kind. This is certainly part of her character, but her kindness is also shot through with wisdom. She takes time to listen to others and uses her own experience to try and solve problems.She approaches Dopey not with judgment but with curiosityand a genuine desire to help. In the original, audiences didn’t really get to see this kind of thoughtful interplay between Snow White and others.
3Zegler’s Snow White Is Less Traditional
Snow White Has More Agency But Maintains Her Original Character
In 2025, Snow White represents a more modern woman. This happens in obvious and expected ways. For example,the dwarves do not let Snow White stay with them because she offers to cook and cleanfor them. Instead, they take pity on her situation and Snow White inspires them to clean themselves. These changes are somewhat subtle, but change the fabric of what Snow White stands for. She is beloved because of what she stands for, not what she can do for others.
TheSnow Whiteremake gives Snow White more agency and desires, and rather than putting a sword into her hand, they give her power by making her inspirational, steadfast, and true to her morals.
To some, 2025’s Snow White may not seem modern enough. She does not don armor or fight anyone. She is still saved by true love’s kiss. However,if these elements had been changed, then she would not be Snow White anymore, but a completely different character. TheSnow Whiteremake gives Snow White more agency and desires, and rather than putting a sword into her hand, they give her power by making her inspirational, steadfast, and true to her morals.
22025’s Snow White Gives Her A Stronger Purpose
Snow White Learns More Over The Course Of Her Story
One of the most important changes made to Zegler’s Snow White is her new purpose. InSnow White and the Seven Dwarves,Snow White is motivated by her desire not to be killed by the Evil Queen. This definitely still plays a role in 2025’sSnow White,but there is also an element of politics.Snow White wants her kingdom to changeand seeks out her father to change it. Once she realizes her father is truly dead, she steps forward as the mouthpiece for her people.
Critics - 43%
Audience - 74%
An added bonus to Snow White’s new purpose is that it doesn’t come to her right away. At first, Snow White believes that she can fix her kingdom simply by making them apple pies. While this gesture would have been kind, it wouldn’t actually fix anything, and Jonathan teaches her this. Therefore, bythe end ofSnow White,the protagonist realizes that she will need to make a more active stand against the Evil Queen.
1Snow White Takes Control Of Her Own Kingdom
Snow White Has A Clear Future
Finally, Snow White’s 2025 ending is far better than the original. In the 1937 version, the Evil Queen is killed by the animals, who push her off a cliff, and Snow White is whisked away to the prince’s castle to become his queen. Meanwhile,the remake gives Snow White a face-to-face conflict with her step-motherand proves that she deserves to be queen. Snow White takes control of her kingdom and brings her friends along with her, not the other way around.
Ultimately,2025’sSnow Whitegives the character a clearer past, present, and future. Audiences come to understand her better and are given more time to see her connections with others grow. Though not every element of the remake is great, and the critiques are valid,Snow Whitemanages to improve on its character in marked and important ways.
