In a bold move to salvage one of its most iconic fairytales, Disney is reportedly gearing up to reimagine Snow White for a new film, following the catastrophic failure of its 2025 live-action remake. The $270 million misfire, starring Rachel Zegler, crashed at the box office and sparked a firestorm of criticism, leaving the studio scrambling to rethink its approach to the princess with skin as white as snow. Sources close to the project suggest the next iteration will feature a drastically retooled Snow White, aiming to win back fans and erase the bitter aftertaste of a flop that’s become Hollywood’s cautionary tale.
The 2025 Snow White was meant to be a crown jewel in Disney’s live-action empire, promising a modern twist on the 1937 classic with Zegler as a fierce, independent heroine. Instead, it became a textbook disaster, grossing just $43 million domestically in its opening weekend and limping to $168 million worldwide against a break-even point of $400 million. Critics tore into its lackluster CGI, muddled script, and polarizing casting, while fans stayed away, stung by Zegler’s controversial remarks dismissing the original as “dated” and her divisive social media presence. With losses estimated at $115 million, the film has joined the ranks of Disney’s costliest blunders, prompting executives to hit the drawing board—fast.
According to industry insiders, Disney’s next Snow White project—still in early development—will pivot away from the 2025 remake’s missteps. While details remain under wraps, the studio is said to be crafting a Snow White who balances tradition with contemporary appeal, aiming to appease both nostalgic purists and younger audiences. “They’re not scrapping the character, but they’re rethinking everything—her personality, her story, even her look,” a source told Variety. Rumors suggest the new film could be an animated feature rather than live-action, dodging the baggage of high budgets and CGI dwarf debacles. Others speculate it might lean into a multiverse angle, allowing Disney to explore a fresh Snow White while keeping the 1937 original sacred.
The decision comes as no surprise to analysts, who’ve watched Disney course-correct after live-action stumbles like Mufasa: The Lion King and Pinocchio. The 2025 Snow White faced unique challenges: a writers’ strike, production delays, and a cultural backlash fueled by debates over Zegler’s casting and her outspoken comments on politics and feminism. Her Instagram rant following the film’s flop—later deleted—calling out “hate and lies” from fans only deepened the divide, cementing the remake as a lightning rod for controversy. Disney, keen to avoid another PR nightmare, is reportedly distancing the new project from Zegler entirely, with no plans for her to return.
What will the new Snow White look like? Early buzz points to a character who retains the original’s warmth and kindness but adds depth without alienating fans. Think less “girlboss warrior” and more “empathetic leader,” blending the classic’s charm with a subtle nod to modern values. The studio is also said to be reevaluating the supporting cast—expect a return to traditional dwarfs over the 2025 version’s “magical creatures”—and prioritizing a tighter narrative that doesn’t feel like a lecture. Songwriters are reportedly being scouted to craft a soundtrack that rivals Frozen’s earworms, aiming to give the film the cultural staying power its predecessor lacked.
Disney’s track record shows it’s not afraid to double down on beloved IPs. After The Little Mermaid’s mixed reception, the studio greenlit a Broadway adaptation to keep the brand alive. Snow White, with its timeless appeal, is too valuable to abandon, but the 2025 flop has taught executives a hard lesson: don’t mess with a classic unless you’re ready to deliver. Casting for the new project hasn’t started, but names like Sydney Sweeney and Ayo Edebiri are already floating in fan circles, signaling Disney’s intent to find a star who can charm without courting controversy.
For now, Disney is keeping mum, with no official announcement expected until 2026 at the earliest. The studio’s focus is on damage control, with Snow White’s failure casting a shadow over its live-action slate. As the Mouse House plots its next move, one thing’s clear: the next Snow White will need more than a magic mirror to win back the kingdom—she’ll need a miracle.
