Disney's Solution To A Major Snow White Live-Action Issue

Mei Lin

5 min read

Post on May 14, 2025

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The Problem: A Problematic Prince Charming

The original Brothers Grimm fairytale of Snow White presents a problematic narrative, particularly concerning the Prince's role and Snow White's agency. This problematic portrayal extends to the Disney animated adaptation and became a central point of contention for the live-action remake.

The Original Story's Issues:

The original Snow White story presents several problematic aspects, especially when viewed through a modern lens:

• Unconsented Kiss: The Prince's act of kissing Snow White while she is unconscious is widely considered to be a non-consensual act, romanticizing a potentially predatory behavior.
• Passive Snow White: Snow White herself remains largely passive throughout the narrative, her fate largely determined by the actions of others, including the Prince.
• Romanticizing a Predatory Act: The focus on the Prince's actions as a heroic act minimizes the seriousness of the unconsented kiss and normalizes potentially harmful behavior.

These elements, while acceptable within the context of the original fairytale's time, contribute to a problematic narrative in the modern context, where discussions around consent and female empowerment are paramount. Critics have pointed out how this depiction perpetuates harmful tropes and reinforces unhealthy relationship dynamics.

Public Backlash and Criticism:

The announcement of the Snow White live-action remake and its initial storyline details were met with significant public backlash. Social media platforms were filled with discussions expressing concern over the potential perpetuation of these harmful tropes:

• Social Media Reactions: #SnowWhite and related hashtags became hubs for discussions and criticisms about the Prince's role and the overall narrative.
• Articles Criticizing the Storyline: Numerous articles and opinion pieces voiced concerns about the potential impact of repeating problematic aspects of the original story.
• Actor Responses: Even actors involved in the production were drawn into the conversation, highlighting the increased sensitivity around such issues.

The speed and intensity of this public response emphasize the importance of social media and public discourse in shaping Disney's decision-making process for future adaptations.

Disney's Solution: A Reimagined Prince

In response to the criticism, Disney's live-action adaptation significantly altered the Prince's role and personality. This change aimed to create a more contemporary and progressive narrative, addressing the concerns raised about consent and female empowerment.

Shifting the Narrative:

The changes implemented in the live-action Snow White significantly reduce the Prince's importance:

• Changes to the Prince's Actions: The infamous unconsented kiss is absent or significantly altered in the new narrative. The Prince's actions are reevaluated, minimizing his role in Snow White's story.
• Giving Snow White More Agency: Snow White is given a more active role, making her own choices and driving much of the plot.
• Reducing his Significance in the Plot: The Prince's significance is reduced, placing greater focus on Snow White's strength and independence.

Modernizing the Fairytale:

Disney’s approach to the Snow White live-action remake demonstrates a conscious effort to create a more modern and progressive fairytale.

• Focus on Female Empowerment: The narrative shifts its focus to empower Snow White, portraying her as a strong and independent female character.
• Rejecting Traditional Fairytale Tropes: The storyline actively rejects many traditional fairytale tropes that have been criticized for perpetuating harmful stereotypes.
• Improved Representation: The film also focuses on improving representation, moving away from passive female characters who rely on a prince for rescue.

These choices connect the adaptation to current societal values and the ongoing discussions around consent, female representation, and responsible storytelling.

The Impact and Reception of Disney's Changes

Disney's decision to reimagine the Prince’s role in the Snow White live-action remake has been met with a mixed response, resulting in ongoing debate.

Positive Feedback and Critical Acclaim:

The changes made to the storyline have received positive feedback from various quarters:

• Praise for Modernizing the Fairytale: Many critics and audiences praised Disney's attempt to modernize the classic tale and make it relevant to contemporary audiences.
• Positive Reviews Focusing on Female Empowerment: The focus on Snow White’s agency and empowerment has been largely welcomed and seen as a step in the right direction.
• Improved Representation: The more nuanced and empowered portrayal of Snow White is seen as a significant improvement in terms of representation.

Remaining Criticisms and Ongoing Debate:

Despite the positive reception, some criticisms persist regarding Disney's approach:

• Arguments Against the Alterations: Some argue that altering the original story removes its charm and loses its core essence.
• Conflicting Opinions on the Success of the Changes: There is ongoing debate about whether the changes were successful in completely resolving the original issues.
• Ongoing Discussions About Fairytale Adaptations: The debate surrounding Disney’s Snow White remake highlights the ongoing discussion on how to adapt classic fairytales for modern audiences while acknowledging their historical context and potential problematic aspects.

Conclusion

The original Snow White fairytale presents several problematic aspects, particularly the Prince's unconsented kiss and Snow White's passivity. Disney's live-action remake sought to address these issues by significantly reimagining the Prince's role, giving Snow White more agency, and promoting female empowerment. The reception to these changes has been mixed, reflecting the complexities of adapting classic fairytales for a modern audience. What are your thoughts on Disney's handling of the Snow White live-action remake? Share your views on Disney's approach to addressing criticisms of the Snow White adaptation and join the ongoing conversation about responsible storytelling in fairytale adaptations. The debate continues to highlight the importance of critically examining classic narratives and adapting them responsibly for contemporary audiences.