If you didn’t like Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot’s Snow White from the day Disney announced it, prepare to be disappointed. Amidst all the controversies and backlash, the latest Disney live-action remake has done something unthinkable—the first reactions to Marc Webb’s newest project are surprisingly positive, with special praise directed at Zegler’s take on Snow White.
The live-action remake of Disney’s Snow White has faced substantial backlash and controversy ever since Rachel Zegler was confirmed to play the fearless and pure-hearted princess. The project was also criticised for its perceived departure from the original story.
Many argued that Zegler’s casting contradicts Snow White’s traditional portrayal. Concerns also arose regarding the film’s updated narrative, with some labelling it “woke.” Additionally, Peter Dinklage lamented the portrayal of the dwarves, prompting Disney to reimagine those characters.
The controversy deepened when tensions escalated between co-stars Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, primarily due to their opposing views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Gadot has been vocal in her support of Israel, while Zegler has expressed support for Palestine. Moreover, several media outlets have reported that the actresses “have nothing in common.”
Despite all this, Disney’s live-action Snow White has received a surprisingly positive response from critics following its Los Angeles premiere. In fact, some have declared it one of the best Disney live-action remakes in recent years. Zegler has earned unanimous acclaim for her performance, while the film’s musical numbers have been described as decent.
However, critics have pointed out a major flaw in the latest Disney release—poor CGI work on the dwarves. Additionally, Gadot’s performance has been noted as less impressive compared to Zegler’s.
Here are some of the first reactions to Disney’s live-action remake of Snow White.
Early ‘Snow White’ reviews hit the internet with Rachel Zegler receiving praise for her performance. pic.twitter.com/W4vY4jpLyK
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) March 17, 2025
Well, Disney has had the last laugh with #SnowWhite - after YEARS of backlash, they've produced one of their strongest ever remakes. Rachel Zegler is an enchanting lead, all the story tweaks work well for a modern audience and, after 88 years, it's a reimagining that makes sense. pic.twitter.com/zr9zWHPp9w
— Tori Brazier (@dinotaur) March 17, 2025
I may regret saying this but #SnowWhite is solid. I really enjoyed the musical numbers, particularly the opening one and the Queen's evil bop. Zegler was great in the lead role, and Gadot was fun. It's really the CGI dwarves that let the film down. The choice is baffling. pic.twitter.com/mERKrMYc44
— Paul Klein 👾 (@paulkleinyoo) March 16, 2025
Despite becoming an internet punching bag Disney’s remake of Snow White is actually mostly successful! Rachel Zegler is an absolute star, (most of) the new songs are catchy and beautifully performed, and the visual palette is sumptuous and vibrant. Gal Gadot had beautiful gowns.
— Matt DeGroot (@mattdegroot) March 16, 2025
'Snow White' First Reactions Praise Film as a 'Visual Feast' and One of Disney's 'Best Live-Action Remakes in Years' https://t.co/pyWwzVivyi
— Variety (@Variety) March 17, 2025
Rachel Zegler is a shining supernova in #SnowWhite, beautifully embodying the graceful, gentle nature of the OG Disney princess. It’s a visual feast with show-stopping new musical numbers and, of course, dozens of enchanting animated animals. The screenplay wisely gives its… pic.twitter.com/yQ4euqIzLu
— Katcy Stephan (@katcystephan) March 16, 2025