Like many live-action adaptations that have come before it, Disney’s 2025 remake of Snow White has had critics and audiences split, yet one thing is abundantly clear; Rachel Zegler’s Snow White is an improvement on the original. In 1937, Disney made history by releasing Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, its first ever animated feature. Because of its gorgeous visuals and heart-warming story, Snow White became an instant classic, and has remained an important part of countless childhoods. However, due to its age, Snow White definitely benefited from some remodeling in 2025.

That isn’t to say that Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is bad. There is no denying that the movie is not only a beloved classic, but also had a massive impact on the world of animation. Yet, certain elements of the movie have aged less well than others. The most notable of these is Snow White herself. Disney’s original princess is easy to love, but doesn’t quite prove herself to be much more than a maiden in need of saving. Luckily, 2025’s Snow White reinvents the princess in admirable ways.

Zegler’s Snow White Is Visually Better Than The Original

Snow White Has New & Improved Outfits

One of the first things audiences may notice when watching 2025’s Snow White is that the visuals are far better than what was available in 1937. Obviously, there is a vast difference between 2-D animation and live-action, but the difference is deeper than that. Zegler’s Snow White comes to life in a way that exceeds the original animation. Her face and her movements, in particular, are more human and emotive than those of the cartoon.

On top of that, Zegler’s Snow White honors and updates the Disney princess via clothing. In the first segment of the film, she wears a pink, patterned dress that is far more detailed than the original piece Snow White wore in 1937. Even better is her iconic yellow and blue dress, which has a sparkly tulle skirt and various updated details, from ribbons to fabrics. In this way, Zegler’s Snow White is more visually striking, and adds depth to the iconic outfits that audiences were already expecting.

2025’s Snow White Has A Deeper Backstory

Snow White’s Connection To Her Father Is Compelling

Another update that viewers will discover right away in the Snow White remake is the protagonist’s new backstory. Originally, Snow White is characterized as a princess whose parents died and who is now under the thumb of her cruel stepmother. This situation still stands in 2025, but has some added depth. Namely, Snow White’s parents were beloved rulers who instilled in her ideals of bravery and fairness. These themes follow Snow White throughout her entire story and give her a motivation that the animated princess did not have.

Snow White’s connection to her father is particularly interesting. In the 2025 film, Snow White isn’t entirely sure what happened to her father, giving her hope that he could still be alive. Once again, this gives Snow White something to fight for and a mystery to solve apart from just trying to survive the Evil Queen’s assassination attempts. It is also quite heartwarming to see Snow White’s relationship with her father, who cared so deeply about his people, and passed this down onto her.

Zegler Gives Snow White A More Modern Voice

Snow White’s New Songs Add To Her Story

One element of 2025’s Snow White that can be totally attributed to Zegler herself is her voice. Based on Zegler’s past roles in West Side Story and The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, it is no surprise that Zegler has an incredible voice. However, in the context of Snow White, it is really notable. Zegler updates the operatic soprano of Snow White to something more modern and inspiring, while also maintaining certain elements of Adriana Caselotti’s performance. Now, Snow White’s songs feel more like tunes that audiences can sing along to a la “Let It Go.”

On the other hand, Zegler’s main song is “Waiting on a Wish,” a ballad that is more focused on Snow White herself and her desire to be brave rather than waiting for a prince.

Speaking of Snow White’s soundtrack, her new songs also help to expand her story. Originally, Snow White sings “Someday My Prince Will Come,” a song which implies that Snow White can only improve her life if someone comes to save her. On the other hand, Zegler’s main song is “Waiting on a Wish,” a ballad that is more focused on Snow White herself and her desire to be brave rather than waiting for a prince. Meanwhile, “A Hand Meets A Hand” gives Snow White her romantic desires.

Snow White’s Romance With Jonathan Is Improved

2025’s Snow White Maintains True Love’s Kiss In A Good Way

When considering a Snow White remake, many likely expected Disney to update Snow White’s romance with the prince, which had little to no development. This change did occur, and in a very interesting way. Rather than being a prince who saves Snow White, Jonathan is a thief who is actually saved by Snow White, and then vice versa. The two come from vastly different backgrounds and belief systems, but over time, realize they want the same things for their people. Their connection grows more subtly and with more conflict.

One element of the original that 2025’s Snow White did keep was the kiss. After Snow White eats the poisoned apple and goes into a coma, it is revealed that the only thing that will save her is true love’s kiss. Jonathan arrives, unaware of her condition, and in a moment of sadness, gives her a kiss, unexpectedly waking her. With their deepened backstory, this kiss is much less creepy and more charged with emotion. Plus, because Snow White changes a lot about the main character and her love interest, keeping this scene ended up being pivotal.

2025’s Snow White Adds A Special Scene With Her & Dopey

Snow White’s Kindness Is Also Wise

In terms of character relationships, another exciting new connection Snow White makes is with Dopey. After the other seven dwarves laugh at Dopey, he storms out and Snow White follows. She tries to understand why he doesn’t speak, and when she discovers that it is fear holding him back, she suggests he try whistling instead to let his emotions be known. This puts new life into Dopey and cleverly leads into “Whistle While You Work.”

Aside from the fact that Snow White and Dopey’s new relationship is sweet, it also shows that Snow White is not just kind. This is certainly part of her character, but her kindness is also shot through with wisdom. She takes time to listen to others and uses her own experience to try and solve problems. She approaches Dopey not with judgment but with curiosity and a genuine desire to help. In the original, audiences didn’t really get to see this kind of thoughtful interplay between Snow White and others.

Zegler’s Snow White Is Less Traditional

Snow White Has More Agency But Maintains Her Original Character

In 2025, Snow White represents a more modern woman. This happens in obvious and expected ways. For example, the dwarves do not let Snow White stay with them because she offers to cook and clean for them. Instead, they take pity on her situation and Snow White inspires them to clean themselves. These changes are somewhat subtle, but change the fabric of what Snow White stands for. She is beloved because of what she stands for, not what she can do for others.

The Snow White remake gives Snow White more agency and desires, and rather than putting a sword into her hand, they give her power by making her inspirational, steadfast, and true to her morals.

To some, 2025’s Snow White may not seem modern enough. She does not don armor or fight anyone. She is still saved by true love’s kiss. However, if these elements had been changed, then she would not be Snow White anymore, but a completely different character. The Snow White remake gives Snow White more agency and desires, and rather than putting a sword into her hand, they give her power by making her inspirational, steadfast, and true to her morals.

2025’s Snow White Gives Her A Stronger Purpose

Snow White Learns More Over The Course Of Her Story

One of the most important changes made to Zegler’s Snow White is her new purpose. In Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, Snow White is motivated by her desire not to be killed by the Evil Queen. This definitely still plays a role in 2025’s Snow White, but there is also an element of politics. Snow White wants her kingdom to change and seeks out her father to change it. Once she realizes her father is truly dead, she steps forward as the mouthpiece for her people.

2025’s Snow White Rotten Tomatoes Scores

Critics – 43%

Audience – 74%

An added bonus to Snow White’s new purpose is that it doesn’t come to her right away. At first, Snow White believes that she can fix her kingdom simply by making them apple pies. While this gesture would have been kind, it wouldn’t actually fix anything, and Jonathan teaches her this. Therefore, by the end of Snow White, the protagonist realizes that she will need to make a more active stand against the Evil Queen.

Snow White Takes Control Of Her Own Kingdom

Snow White Has A Clear Future

Finally, Snow White’s 2025 ending is far better than the original. In the 1937 version, the Evil Queen is killed by the animals, who push her off a cliff, and Snow White is whisked away to the prince’s castle to become his queen. Meanwhile, the remake gives Snow White a face-to-face conflict with her step-mother and proves that she deserves to be queen. Snow White takes control of her kingdom and brings her friends along with her, not the other way around.

Ultimately, 2025’s Snow White gives the character a clearer past, present, and future. Audiences come to understand her better and are given more time to see her connections with others grow. Though not every element of the remake is great, and the critiques are valid, Snow White manages to improve on its character in marked and important ways.