Disney’s latest live-action adaptation of Snow White has sparked significant controversy, becoming one of the most polarizing films in the company’s history. Released in March 2025, this reimagining of the 1937 classic, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, has failed to resonate with audiences, receiving mediocre reviews and criticism for its casting decisions, heavy reliance on CGI, and the political tensions among the cast. As a result, Snow White has surfaced as a major talking point for Disney, though not in a positive light.
The lingering question surrounding the Snow White controversy is how the situation could have been avoided. Much accountability lies with Disney, which, while unable to control its actors’ personal views, could have been more selective in its casting choices. For instance, Gal Gadot’s role as the Evil Queen has drawn substantial backlash. Additionally, Disney’s decision to employ CGI for the dwarves, rather than casting actors with dwarfism, has also come under fire. However, a significant strategic shift might have turned the tide for Snow White.
A Shift Towards Rose Red: Disney’s Original Vision
The Promise of Rose Red
Originally, Disney had intentions to create a spinoff film centered on Snow White’s sister, Rose Red, rather than the live-action Snow White itself. Rose Red is a character from the original Grimm Brothers fairy tales, famously omitted from Disney’s initial adaptation. In the folklore, both sisters display compassion that leads them to break a long-standing curse. This story holds substantial potential for character development and narrative depth.
Developed in 2016 but subsequently shelved in 2021, the Rose Red project was overshadowed by other major ventures, including the live-action Snow White. Had it proceeded, Rose Red could have broken new ground, providing a fresh perspective and narrative direction that diverged from the familiar plotlines of past adaptations. It would have allowed Disney to explore various themes, from light-hearted adventures to darker folklore insights. The involvement of talents like Brie Larson hinted at the film’s original ambitious scope.
Navigating Controversy: What Rose Red Could Have Changed
A Risky Proposition Yet Still Safer
Had Disney prioritized the Rose Red project over the live-action adaptation of Snow White, it’s plausible that many of the issues affecting the latter could have been avoided. The greater obscurity of Rose Red as a character might have shielded it from the intense scrutiny typically faced by well-known tales, insulating it from backlash regarding changes to the source material. Given Disney’s history, such adaptations often attract criticism; however, Rose Red could have offered a blank canvas for a new narrative, free from legacy expectations.
Nonetheless, it is crucial to acknowledge that even Rose Red would not have been entirely immune to controversy. As a major entertainment corporation, Disney often faces public criticism, and any casting decisions could have incited strong reactions. Moreover, the questionable use of CGI for depicting dwarfs could have resurfaced as a contentious issue within this narrative framework. Therefore, while Rose Red could have mitigated some criticisms associated with Snow White, it would not guarantee an absence of debate.
Box Office Potential: Rose Red Versus Snow White
Looking Ahead: Disney’s Strategy Post-Snow White
Image via Disney
Another important consideration is that a film like Rose Red might have fared better at the box office than Snow White. Despite the latter’s lavish budget ranging between $240 million and $270 million, it only earned approximately $168 million globally. Should Rose Red have alleviated the controversies associated with Snow White, it likely would have seen enhanced revenue performance, even considering its potentially lower brand recognition among audiences.
In the aftermath of the issues tied to Snow White, Disney is reassessing its creative strategies, evident from the recent pause on the production of its Tangled live-action remake. The company seems to be taking a moment to analyze the missteps surrounding Snow White to prevent similar pitfalls in the future. Unfortunately, this renewed cautious approach likely means that the Rose Red project remains indefinitely shelved, as the negative impact from Snow White persists. Missteps like this highlight how Rose Red could have potentially revived interest and secured a positive outcome for Disney.