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In the world of Disney, few names shine as brightly as Snow White, the original princess and first animated film from 1937. Now, director Marc Webb’s “Snow White” live-action reboot doesn’t just revisit the classic—it reinvents it with a Broadway-esque musical rendition, deepening the narrative and introducing a heroine with layers we’ve never seen before.

Rachel Zegler steps into Snow White’s shoes, delivering a performance that delves into unexplored depths of the character.

Our journey begins in a kingdom filled with joy, ruled by a kind King (Hadley Fraser) and Queen (Lorena Andrea). But when tragedy strikes with the Queen’s death, the arrival of a new, sinister stepmother (Gal Gadot) ushers in an era of darkness. This rich backstory adds a thrilling layer of intrigue, making Snow White’s battle against fear and oppression all the more poignant.

A fascinating twist on Snow White’s origin story tells us she earned her name by surviving a brutal snowstorm as an infant. It’s a narrative stroke that not only enriches her character but also casts her as an emblem of resilience. Disney’s push for diversity shines through Zegler—a Latina, Colombian actress whose portrayal of Snow White breaks the mold of traditional beauty, championing inclusivity and allowing every child to see themselves in a Disney princess.

Let’s not forget the Seven Dwarfs: Doc (the wise leader), Grumpy (the curmudgeonly skeptic), Happy (the eternal optimist), Sleepy (the perpetually drowsy), Bashful (the shy one), Sneezy (the allergic adventurer), and Dopey (the lovable, silent charmer). These beloved characters get a modern, CGI-enhanced makeover, becoming “magical creatures” that are irresistibly cute, especially our dear Dopey.

In this rendition, Dopey sheds the cliché of being merely young and simple-minded. Instead, he’s portrayed as a mute character overcoming life’s hurdles with a touching lack of confidence. With Snow White’s gentle encouragement, he learns to whistle fairly quickly—a small act that leads to a surprising plot twist at the end, enriching his character arc in ways that makes him not look immature and dumb.

Snow White doesn’t just play a passive princess role in this reboot; she takes the lead, rallying the dwarfs for a spirited cleaning session that replaces the traditional animal helpers. It’s a moment of empowerment, where she teaches teamwork and independence, subtly dismantling outdated notions of helplessness and gender roles within the dwarfs. Her infectious enthusiasm as she leads them in “Whistle While You Work” is nostalgic and inspiring (the original clean up song).

Enter Jonathan (Andrew Burnap), a charismatic rebel with a Robin Hood charm. Jonathan is revisioned as a bandit not a prince, but still charming to get the attention from Snow White. His evolving friendship with Snow White transcends the usual fairy-tale romance, as she proves her strength by rescuing him from the Evil Queen, setting the stage for a relationship built on equality and respect instead of only rescue and desire.

The Evil Queen (Gadot) is a modern marvel—a “mean girl” with a subtle menace, contrasting sharply with Angelina Jolie’s overtly evil Maleficent. Wrapped in high fashion and dark elegance with hints of jewel tones aesthetic, Gadot’s Queen is a study in cruelty. Her vanity-fueled ambition plunges the kingdom into chaos, and her daily confrontations with the magic mirror only stoke her jealousy of Snow White. Gadot’s nuanced performance adds new dimensions to this iconic villain, making her a chilling yet recognizable figure in today’s world. Her transformation into the haggard old woman offering the poisoned apple is a highlight and fun live-action transformation we all wait to see manifest on the screen.

Despite stirring some controversy, this “Snow White” reboot keeps the Disney magic alive, blending new songs with classics like “Heigh-Ho” and “Whistle While You Work.” This enchanting retelling honors its origins while boldly stepping into the present, offering a delightful experience for new fans and nostalgic viewers alike. Whether you love it or debate it, one thing’s clear: Disney’s storytelling legacy continues to evolve and thrive with this fresh take on a timeless tale.