10 Shocking Changes in Disney’s Live-Action Snow White!

by

The live-action adaptation of Disney’s “Snow White” has sparked debate upon its release, despite receiving criticism from some viewers. However, it does offer several intriguing new elements to the traditional story about Snow White eluding her wicked stepmother. In this rendition, Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot take on the iconic roles of the princess and her stepmother, respectively, introducing fresh perspectives to an enduring fairy tale.

The tale of Snow White had already stood the test of time in numerous aspects, yet ninety years separating the initial movie from this one necessitated certain adaptations. This updated film offers a variety of scenes, both familiar and innovative, but some twists are more shocking than others.

WARNING! Spoilers ahead!

8. Snow White Has Parents

A Huge New Opening Section

In the classic Snow White movie, Snow White initially worked as a servant for the wicked queen, believed to be her stepmother. Contrastingly, in the latest adaptation, the story commences with young Snow White joyfully singing a new song titled ‘Good Things Grow,’ alongside her living parents.

As the narrative progresses, it gradually aligns with the initial scenes fans anticipated. However, around fifteen minutes prior, there are scenes that depict Snow White’s joyful kingdom, the tragic demise of her mother, the second marriage of her father to the Wicked Queen, and the mysterious disappearance of her father. These events eventually lead to the decline of the kingdom under the selfish rule of the Wicked Queen. The surprise for fans, seeing so much of Snow White’s backstory before the main story truly begins, was quite significant.

7. The Queen’s New Powers

A More Openly Magical Villain

In the classic tale of Snow White, the Evil Queen was depicted with mysterious powers, which were typically portrayed as brewing potions and consulting a magic book in the original movie. These supernatural occurrences were usually carried out in private, like when she turned into an old hag or poisoned the apple. However, the new adaptation breaks away from this tradition by introducing a villain’s song for the queen and altering her abilities presentation.

The latest movie presents a fresh perspective on the character’s magical capabilities, making her apparent powers more evident, like conjuring flowers and precious jewels out of thin air. Intriguingly, at some point she manifests a diamond dagger effortlessly, suggesting no difficulty in doing so. While the film doesn’t delve deeply into her magical prowess, the unexpected display of these additional abilities was striking, and her willingness to share them with others even more astonishing.

6. Someday My Prince (Won’t) Come?

Jonathan Isn’t Exactly Prince Charming

In the unexpected twist for fans of the classic tale, the main love interest in the movie, instead of being just slightly altered, is an entirely fresh character named Jonathan. Unlike the original wandering prince who encounters Snow White at her well and sings to her, this new version sees Jonathan bumping into Snow White in the kitchen as he attempts to pilfer potatoes from the Queen.

Despite not being a prince, this bandit shares a deeper romantic bond with Snow White that evolves throughout the story and is expressed through several new songs they sing together. Their relationship unfolds as Snow White rescues Jonathan from starvation and later, Jonathan saves Snow White from an arrow. This dynamic relationship transcends the traditional romance depicted in the original film.

5. The New Songs

A Huge Breadth Of Additions

As a devoted Disney enthusiast, let me share my thoughts on the unique musical journey that the live-action remake of “Snow White” presents. Unlike past adaptations where a few new tunes were added to the original soundtrack, this version has transformed the musical landscape altogether. The absence of both “Someday My Prince Will Come” and the Dwarves’ cleaning song took me by surprise, but what truly left me astounded was the influx of brand-new songs that have completely redefined the film’s melodic identity.

From the initial tune “Good Things Grow,” more elements have been added to the mix, such as the Evil Queen’s first villain song in “All Is Fair.” Snow White and Jonathan now share not one but two new duets. Rachel Zegler’s leading princess shines with her powerful solo number, “Waiting On A Wish,” a significant deviation from the original anthem. The alterations in lyrics have substantially transformed well-known songs like “Heigh-Ho” and “Whistle While You Work,” injecting them with a fresh, energetic vibe.

4. Two Colorful Groups Of Characters

The Bandits & Dwarves Work Together

In a revamped live-action adaptation like Snow White, it wouldn’t be unexpected to introduce fresh characters. However, Disney’s decision to expand Snow White’s social circle significantly within Jonathan’s bandit gang could be considered a significant departure from tradition. Since the dwarves are computer-generated in this version, the financial implications of their screen time made it more feasible for Disney to minimize their presence wherever practical.

In a new turn of events, Snow White encounters Jonathan once more following their forest adventure, and she’s presented with his band of roguishly charming characters. This unexpected change in the group dynamic was crucial, as Snow White is waging a battle for her kingdom, and these new companions provided a human aspect. Moreover, it added an exhilarating twist to the storyline.

3. The Fight For The Kingdom

A Completely Changed Third Act

It’s not unexpected that Disney reinvented Snow White as a powerful, contemporary princess in their live-action adaptation; what is surprising, however, is the significant change in the film’s focus from the wellbeing of Snow White to the destiny of her kingdom. From portraying it as a cheerful realm in the opening tune “Good Things Grow,” to having Snow White lead an army back into the kingdom, this reimagining came as quite a shock in several aspects.

In the initial movie adaptation, Snow White primarily focused on evading the Queen’s anger. However, this portrayal deviates from that by having Snow White confront her stepmother’s oppressive reign instead. This shift significantly altered much of the film, particularly the climax and a large part of the third act, diverging from the traditional Snow White storyline known to fans.

2. Dopey Can Speak!?

The Most Sudden Shock To The System

In the new adaptation, the personalities of the dwarves aren’t drastically altered from the initial movie. Their identities are largely defined by their names, with the exception of Dopey, who is not actually foolish as his name suggests. Instead, it is established early on that he simply doesn’t speak due to shyness, rather than being mute like the original character.

This transformation prompted Dopey to voice his opinion for the first time, as he endeavored to rally his comrades and Snow White to confront the Queen. This instance was arguably the most stunning twist in the entire movie, characterized by a significant shift, an unexpected turn of events, and a well-known character undergoing a substantial transformation.

1. The Evil Queen’s Self-Inflicted Death

A Completely Different Ending

In this modern retelling, the Evil Queen’s personality bears strong resemblances to her original counterpart from the movie. Yet, unlike in 1937, her demise is quite different. Back then, she plunged to her death during a storm as the dwarves pursued her after she had poisoned Snow White.

In contrast, the fresh tale shows her escaping punishment for the attempted murder, regaining her original form, and confronting Snow White and the kingdom’s populace as they revolt against her. When all other options are exhausted, she goes back to her enchanted mirror and smashes it in fury, leading to her death too. This ending, while confusing, is quite fitting for a notorious Disney character, given her past actions.

Read More

2025-03-27 23:26