Why Snow White’s Passive Protagonist Needs to Be Fixed in the Live-Action Remake

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Disney serves as the headquarters for numerous franchises. Apart from Marvel and Star Wars, Disney+ and cinemas are consistently flooded with fresh content due to these two giants. However, another significant aspect of Walt Disney Studios that often matches their box office success, if not surpasses it, is the live-action adaptation segment. Although most of these movies don’t share a connected narrative, the consistent flow of live-action adaptations of Disney’s classic animated films has been a substantial part of Disney’s live-action production beyond Marvel and Star Wars. This week, the original Disney animation “Snow White” joins the remake lineup.

“Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” is the film that put Walt Disney Studios on the map. Without this movie, I might not be a Disney expert. It’s a significant milestone in cinematic history that revolutionized the industry. Many believe it’s the Disney film most overdue for a modern retelling.

Do Disney Live-Action Remakes Need To Exist?

As a movie enthusiast, it’s often heard that Disney’s live-action adaptations seem unnecessary to many of us. After all, some of the films they’ve chosen to reimagine are among my favorite animated Disney classics. These movies were already near-perfect in their original forms, leaving one to wonder: why tamper with what was already golden?

It can be argued that numerous successful stories don’t necessarily need a reboot, as people often view remaking something as an opportunity to present a fresh take on a familiar tale. However, the recent adaptations of stories like “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Lion King” appear to be quite faithful recreations of the originals, suggesting that in these cases, the intention was not to innovate but rather to deliver the beloved original experience anew to fans.

From another perspective, certain Disney reboots present unique twists. For instance, “Maleficent” retells the “Sleeping Beauty” tale from a new angle, while “Dumbo” primarily serves as a sequel. Yet, it’s rare for live-action remakes to surpass the original films they are based on. So if they aren’t superior or unique, why make them?

Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs Is A Piece Of Cinema History

The choice by Disney to reimagine Snow White in live-action has sparked discussions and controversies since its announcement. The selection of Rachel Zegler has faced racial criticism, while many have expressed disapproval towards the CGI portrayal of the dwarfs.

However, a more significant point to consider is that “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” isn’t just any Disney movie; it’s the quintessential Disney film. It was the one that sparked off the entire empire. Moreover, the original release held the title of the highest-grossing movie at that moment in history. The upcoming remake is unlikely to achieve such unprecedented success.

As a cinephile, I’ve got to admit that “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” holds a special place in my heart, and rightfully so. It was groundbreaking for a reason – it marked the debut of cel-shaded animation, an achievement many deemed impossible back then. Walt Disney and his team of animators showed the world that emotions and empathy could be stirred by nothing more than carefully painted cells. The entire feature animation industry owes its existence to this pioneering film.

Given the iconic status of the initial film, a remake might face an uphill battle towards success. Nevertheless, given the tantalizing glimpses from the trailers, I’m eagerly anticipating it as it appears that the reboot will surpass the original in at least one significant aspect.

Snow White Is The Least Interesting Disney Protagonist

The classic film “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” is widely recognized, yet this doesn’t equate to saying Snow White, the character, is exceptionally interesting. In fact, quite the contrary; Snow White, as the title character, often comes across as rather unremarkable. I’ve gone ahead and expressed my thoughts: she isn’t particularly captivating in the story. It feels good to get that off my chest.

Many stories have been told about Disney’s early Princesses, with a common theme that their primary objective appears to be finding love. I don’t wish to criticize Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty too harshly, as desiring love is not the worst aspiration in the world. However, unlike some other characters, they take proactive steps towards realizing their goals, which sets them apart.

As a passionate Disney enthusiast, it’s hard to express criticism about beloved characters, but it seems Snow White lacks depth for some viewers. She doesn’t initiate actions; instead, events seem to revolve around her. This passivity makes it challenging for audiences to connect with her as an active character. It’s the experience of watching a bystander rather than a protagonist.

Snow White the Character Can Be Improved, Even If The Movie Can’t

As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but ponder over the timeless charm of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” which graced our screens more than eight decades ago. The groundbreaking visuals left viewers utterly spellbound in their time, perhaps rendering some leniency towards its narrative. Truly, the technical prowess displayed in this masterpiece is unparalleled and deserving of all praise it has received. However, there are aspects that, with the benefit of hindsight, could be refined to make it even more captivating.

It’s evident from the trailers of Snow White that the film is addressing this topic in a more active manner. Scenes shown in the trailers depict Rachel Zegler’s version of the character playing a larger role in her own story compared to the original movie. While the exact ending remains uncertain, it seems certain that the title character will not be just an observer but actively involved in the events unfolding. Whether the movie adopts the drastic changes I suggested for Snow White or follows the same narrative as the animated film, the protagonist’s participation is guaranteed to make a difference.

This update is significant, crucial, and indispensable. Refreshing the story of Snow White could be justifiable. A more active Snow White character certainly adds intrigue to the main role. Whether it will lead to a superior film is yet to be determined, but it definitely promises a more engaging Snow White tale.

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2025-03-21 00:08