Stream “The Death of Snow White” Now on Sunset: A Dark Reimagining of the Classic Fairy Tale
Disney’s 2025 live-action remake of Snow White has taken the film world by storm, but not without stirring up a storm of controversy. Titled The Death of Snow White, this darker, more twisted version of the beloved fairy tale presents an alternate vision of Snow White’s struggle for survival against her evil stepmother. The film has sparked heated discussions and mixed reactions, making it a must-watch for those intrigued by the intersection of classic fairy tale elements, modern reimagining, and the cultural battles that come with it. And now, you can stream it exclusively on Sunset.
A Grimmer Tale of Survival
In this version of Snow White, we’re introduced to a darker, more sinister take on the classic Disney princess. Hunted by her evil stepmother, Snow White, played by Rachel Zegler, must escape the wicked queen’s clutches by seeking refuge in the dark, dangerous forest. There, she forms an unexpected and deadly alliance with seven murderous dwarves, each one more terrifying than the last. Together, they must confront the horrors that lurk in the shadows, all while Snow White learns to navigate a world where survival comes at a much higher cost than ever before.
Unlike the traditional Snow White, who is often portrayed as a sweet, passive figure, this Snow White is fierce, independent, and determined to fight back. She may be running from a wicked queen, but she’s also running toward her own destiny — one that’s far removed from the passive victim that so many have come to expect from fairy tale heroines.
Controversy Surrounding the Casting of Rachel Zegler
One of the film’s most contentious aspects is the casting of Rachel Zegler in the title role. Zegler, of Colombian and Polish descent, faced intense backlash from certain corners of the internet, where some fans argued that she didn’t fit the traditionally “pale-skinned” description of Snow White. Critics claimed the casting strayed too far from the original, while others defended the choice, arguing that representation matters and that Zegler’s talent should be the focus, not her appearance.
This debate over representation and the changing face of Disney princesses became one of the central points of contention before and after the film’s release. Some viewers hailed it as a welcome shift toward more diverse and inclusive casting, while others couldn’t shake their discomfort with the reinterpretation of a character they had grown up with.
A Modern Snow White: Feminism or Sacrilege?
The film’s departure from the traditional story continues with significant changes to Snow White’s character and the plot. One of the most notable revisions is the removal of Prince Charming, a decision that drastically alters the storyline. Instead of relying on the prince’s rescue, Snow White becomes her own savior, forging her path and making her own decisions. For some, this feminist reimagining was a welcome update, making Snow White a more relatable and empowering figure.
However, others felt the changes were too radical, distancing the movie from its origins in a way that was unnecessary. The critique focused on how these revisions undermined the timelessness of the classic tale, which had long been seen as a foundational story about love, innocence, and redemption.
Rachel Zegler’s Comments Add Fuel to the Fire
Things got even more heated when Rachel Zegler herself made public remarks about the original Snow White animated film. Zegler described elements of the classic story as “dated” and labeled the prince as a “stalker,” a comment that didn’t sit well with many longtime fans of the 1937 film. For many, this felt like a direct attack on the legacy of the Disney classic, and her words sparked a backlash that added fuel to the already growing controversy surrounding the film.
Her comments, along with her outspoken political views, also became a flashpoint for larger cultural tensions, dividing audiences along ideological lines. Whether you agree with her sentiments or not, Zegler’s remarks only heightened the film’s polarizing effect.
Political Tensions and Criticism of the Cast
The controversy didn’t stop with Zegler. Gal Gadot, who plays the evil queen, also faced her own share of criticism, particularly from those who objected to her past service in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). This layer of political tension made the film even more of a lightning rod for public debate, turning what would normally be a discussion of storytelling and film quality into one about political allegiances and ideological divides.
The CGI Dwarves: Missed Opportunity for Inclusion?
Another contentious aspect of The Death of Snow White is its decision to use CGI dwarves rather than cast actors with dwarfism. While CGI has become a staple of modern filmmaking, some argued that the use of computer-generated imagery for the seven dwarves was a missed opportunity to provide meaningful representation for the dwarf community. Rather than using real actors with dwarfism to portray these characters, the filmmakers opted for a more fantastical, digitally-rendered version, a decision that sparked backlash for its lack of authenticity and inclusion.
Box Office Disappointment and Critical Backlash
Despite a hefty production budget (reportedly over $240 million), The Death of Snow White struggled at the box office, grossing only $87.2 million globally. Critics panned the film for its confusing narrative, lackluster performances, and deviations from the classic story, labeling it one of the worst-reviewed films of the year. Sites like IMDb and Rotunda Online reported some of the lowest ratings in recent history, with many critics citing the film’s inability to balance the tension between honoring the original tale and creating something new.
Despite its visual appeal and large-scale spectacle, The Death of Snow White seems to have failed to capture the magic that made the original film beloved by generations of viewers. The movie’s struggles at the box office, combined with the scathing critical reception, highlight the difficult task of reimagining a cherished classic in the modern era.
Stream “The Death of Snow White” Now on Sunset
Despite the controversies and disappointing box office returns, The Death of Snow White is undeniably a bold, ambitious reimagining of the classic fairy tale. Whether you love it or hate it, the film offers an unflinching look at how fairy tales can evolve to reflect modern sensibilities, all while sparking conversations about race, feminism, and the cultural relevance of stories that have been told for generations.
Now, you can stream the full film exclusively on Sunset — a perfect opportunity to judge for yourself and join the ongoing conversation about this dark and divisive take on Snow White.
👉 Stream “The Death of Snow White” now on Sunset and see how this dark fantasy unfolds on your screen.