Disney’s Live-Action Snow White: Anticipations and Competing Adaptations
The much-anticipated live-action adaptation of Snow White by Disney is set to hit theaters on March 21, featuring performances by Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot. However, this upcoming release is not the first cinematic interpretation of the beloved fairy tale in recent years. Back in 2012, director Tarsem Singh brought us Mirror Mirror, starring Lily Collins as the titular character and Julia Roberts as the Evil Queen, presenting a modern twist on the classic Brothers Grimm narrative first depicted in Disney’s iconic 1937 animation, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
The Fairy Tale Resurgence
Mirror Mirror was released during a notable surge in fairy tale reinterpretations, following the release of Red Riding Hood in 2011 featuring Amanda Seyfried. Its debut came just two months prior to Universal’s darker take, Snow White and the Huntsman, starring Kristen Stewart, Charlize Theron, and Chris Hemsworth. Singh felt immense pressure to release his film ahead of Universal’s project. He shared with The Hollywood Reporter, “We don’t have nearly their budget and their machine, so we have to come before them.” Initially titled Snow White, Singh ultimately had to change the film’s name due to Universal’s competing title, a decision he lamented, noting, “You just lost probably 150 million bucks because that name is what it is.”
Creative Casting Choices
Singh’s casting process included meetings with actors like Felicity Jones and Jennifer Lawrence before ultimately selecting Collins for the role of Snow White. “The producers loved her and said, ‘You have to meet her,'” he recalls, referencing Collins, who has since gained fame for her lead role in Netflix’s Emily in Paris. Additionally, Armie Hammer was the desired choice for the prince, and the cast enjoyed his playful nature, particularly pranks involving the rock salt used as on-set snow. Martin Klebba, who played one of the dwarves, fondly recalls sneaking rock salt into Hammer’s boots as a mischievous act.
Mixed Reviews and Box Office Performance
Released on March 30, 2012, Mirror Mirror received a mixed response from critics, with The Hollywood Reporter commenting that the film was “in need of a stiff shot of enchantment.” Despite the varied opinions, it managed to gross $183 million worldwide, which adjusts to approximately $254 million today, also earning an Academy Award nomination for its costume design.
Enduring Appeal of Snow White
Singh believes that the continual modernization of classic tales is driven by evolving audiences. He remarked, “A whole new generation comes, and they don’t want their dad’s Snow White — they want their own.” This sentiment underscores the timeless allure of fairy stories and their ability to resonate with new audiences.
This feature originally appeared in the March 19 issue of The Hollywood Reporter. Click here to subscribe.