With the success of live-action adaptations of classic Disney animated films like ‘The Little Mermaid’, it was only a matter of time before Disney’s first princess, Snow White, was given a live-action remake. The original ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ from 1937 was a landmark in cinema as the first feature-length animated film. Disney’s upcoming live-action adaptation, starring Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, is scheduled for release in March 2025.
However, this isn’t the first live-action take on the Snow White story. Over the years, there have been numerous live-action adaptations of the tale. While some of these films stick closely to the Disney version, others have offered unique takes, drawing from the Brothers Grimm’s original fairy tale or introducing fresh interpretations to reflect the era in which they were made.
Snow White and the Huntsman (2012)
‘Snow White and the Huntsman’ received mixed reviews upon its release but stands out for its star-studded cast, high production value, and unique take on the Snow White story. Starring Kristen Stewart as Snow White, Chris Hemsworth as the Huntsman, and Charlize Theron as the evil Queen Ravenna, the film offers a darker, grittier version of the classic tale. Notably, the Queen’s mirror predicts that Snow White will destroy her, shifting the motivation from jealousy. Unlike traditional versions, Snow White awakens not from a prince’s kiss, but from the Huntsman’s. The film was successful enough to spawn a sequel, ‘The Huntsman: Winter’s War’, and earned Oscar nominations for its visual effects.
Mirror Mirror (2012)
‘Mirror Mirror’ initially struggled both at the box office and with critics, but it has gained more appreciation over time. Starring Lily Collins as Snow White and Julia Roberts as the evil Queen, the film depicts the dwarfs as bandits whom Snow White helps rob the rich, showcasing her evolution from a timid princess to a strong warrior.
What sets ‘Mirror Mirror’ apart is its distinctive production design. The film features a campy, theatrical style with elaborate set designs and costumes inspired by various cultures. The palace towers resemble India’s Taj Mahal, while the costumes draw from 16th to 19th-century Western European fashion. Despite the eclectic influences, they combine to create a unique and visually captivating fantasy world.
Snow White: a Tale of Terror (1997)
‘Snow White: A Tale of Terror’ effectively captures the dark tone typical of Brothers Grimm’s fairy tales. Premiering on Showtime, this Gothic fantasy film makes good use of its limited budget. It features a compelling dynamic between Snow White and the evil Queen, played by Sigourney Weaver, who genuinely tries to befriend Snow, only to be repeatedly rebuffed.
As Snow White grows up, she is depicted as vain and selfish, drawing attention at a ball celebrating the Queen’s pregnancy by wearing her deceased mother’s dress. This causes the Queen to go into early labour, resulting in a stillborn birth. The film’s unique twist is that the Queen seeks revenge out of grief for her lost baby. Additionally, Snow White’s romantic subplot with Will, the miners’ leader, involves him saving her by removing the poisoned apple piece from her throat, rather than with a kiss.
Sydney White (2007)
Following the success of ‘A Cinderella Story’ (2004), which updated Cinderella’s tale for a modern audience, ‘Sydney White’ takes a similar approach with a college-set Snow White story. Amanda Bynes stars as Sydney, who clashes with the Student Body President, Rachel, the Evil Queen. The film modernizes the classic tale by substituting the dwarfs with a nerdy fraternity house and the poisoned apple with a computer virus.
In this version, Rachel’s jealousy manifests through the school’s ‘Hot or Not List,’ with Rachel obsessing over Sydney’s popularity threatening her top spot. When a virus erases Sydney’s Student Council election plans, she pulls an all-nighter to redo them, leading to her falling into a deep sleep. The film reflects the early 2000s era with its college setting and high school movie tropes.
Snow White: The Fairest of Them All (2001)
‘Snow White: The Fairest of Them All’ was released theatrically in Europe before airing on ABC in the US. Despite its European release, the film’s low budget is evident in its production quality. The movie reimagines the Snow White story with significant changes, including Snow White’s father becoming a king after freeing a wish-granting entity called the Green-Eyed One. The Queen, played by Miranda Richardson, is the sister of this being. Although Richardson’s performance is praised, it contrasts sharply with the weaker performances of her co-stars, notably Kristin Kreuk’s Snow White, which drew criticism.
The film introduces several unique elements, such as the dwarfs being named after the days of the week, with Sunday as their leader. They can transform into a rainbow, an interesting twist that doesn’t significantly impact the plot. Additionally, the film suffers from poor pacing, with a lack of drama and action until the climax.
Snow White and the Three Stooges
‘Snow White and the Three Stooges’ (known as ‘Snow White and the Three Clowns’ in the UK) offers a comedic twist on the Snow White tale. Instead of meeting the seven dwarfs, Snow White, played by Carol Heiss, encounters the Three Stooges—Moe Howard, Larry Fine, and “Curly Joe” DeRita. Released during the Stooges’ comeback period, the film was their second feature with this lineup.
The movie plays for laughs, featuring the Stooges as house-sitters for the dwarfs and not taking the story too seriously. Despite its high budget, the film received poor reviews due to the Stooges having less screen time and focus than expected, leading to audience disappointment.
Grimm’s Snow White
In 2012, ‘Grimm’s Snow White’ was one of three live-action Snow White films, though it is the least known and least popular. Directed by Rachel Lee Goldenberg and produced by The Asylum, this straight-to-video film stars Eliza Bennet as Snow White and Jane March as the evil Queen Gwendolyn. Unlike ‘Snow White and the Huntsman’ and ‘Mirror Mirror’, this version stays closer to the Brothers Grimm fairy tale but introduces significant changes.
The story involves a war between humans and elves, with the elves replacing the dwarfs. Snow White, portrayed as a more active character, defeats the Queen in the final battle. Despite its ambitious plot, the film suffered from a low budget and poor CGI. Notably, it substitutes the poisoned apple with a cursed ring, adding a unique twist to the traditional story.
–Farheen Ali
