Op-Ed: Disney’s “Snow White”—When Feminism Backfires

@ Google

Disney’s live-action remake of Snow White was supposed to be a feminist victory—a bold retelling of a classic story, free from outdated gender roles.

But instead of praise, the film has drawn backlash, controversy, and confusion. Some fans felt betrayed, others accused the studio of virtue signaling, and even feminists voiced concern.

So what went wrong?

Let’s talk about how this film became an extreme example of feminism in media, and why such portrayals—when done without nuance—can actually harm the movement they intend to promote.

A Princess Who Didn’t Need Saving… Or a Prince at All

The new Snow White casts Rachel Zegler as a fierce, independent heroine who doesn’t believe in “true love’s kiss” and certainly doesn’t need a prince. At first glance, this seems empowering. After all, don’t we want strong female leads who chart their own destiny?

But here’s the issue: in rejecting everything about the original tale, the remake risks throwing away what made the story meaningful in the first place.

Instead of reimagining Snow White with depth and agency, the film appears to overcorrect, painting traditional femininity as weak or regressive.

And when empowerment becomes a checklist instead of a character arc, audiences start to feel talked down to, not inspired.

Dismissing the Past Doesn’t Make the Future Brighter

When Zegler publicly called the original 1937 film “weird” and critiqued the prince as “a stalker,” many fans felt alienated. Whether or not they agreed, the tone came off as dismissive and superior, suggesting that if you love the classic version, you must be anti-progress.

But feminism isn’t about erasing the past. It’s about reclaiming it, reinterpreting it, and asking how stories can evolve without insulting those who cherished them.

By taking a combative rather than collaborative approach to storytelling, the film risked making feminism feel like an attack on tradition—instead of a bridge to a better future.

Representation Without Depth Feels Hollow

Disney also faced criticism for its handling of diversity and inclusion—casting decisions, CGI characters replacing dwarfs, and the feeling that identity politics were prioritized over narrative.

Real representation is about giving characters complexity, emotion, and flaws. It's not about checking boxes.

When inclusivity becomes a strategy instead of a sincere storytelling choice, audiences can feel the difference. They’re left with characters who are symbols, not people—and feminism becomes a brand, not a belief.

Why Feminism Needs Stories, Not Slogans

The backlash to Snow White isn’t just about one movie—it reflects a larger tension in modern media: how to promote feminism without alienating audiences.

True feminist storytelling isn’t about replacing princes or criticizing classic tales. It’s about:

• Writing multidimensional women

• Encouraging mutual respect between characters

• Letting empowerment grow through choices, relationships, and internal change

  
  

Some of the most powerful feminist characters—like Mulan, Moana, or even Elsa—resonated because they were authentic, not performative.

Final Thoughts: A Teachable Moment

What happened with Snow White is a reminder: feminism in media must feel human, not hollow. Audiences are ready for strong women. They’re ready for reimagined fairytales. But they’re also ready to call out stories that feel preachy, performative, or disconnected from real life.

Feminism isn’t just about changing the script—it’s about making sure the new story actually connects.

And maybe, just maybe, we don’t need to cancel the prince to celebrate the princess.