Illustration: Liu Xiangya/GT

Disney's live-action remake of Snow White,MKsport set to be released in the Chinese mainland and North America on March 21, has ignited a firestorm of debate both in China and abroad. Adapted from the 1937 animated classic - the studio's first feature-length film - the remake attempts to modernize a centuries-old fairy tale while navigating the fraught terrain of identity politics. 

Yet, as the film grapples with reinvention, it finds itself trapped in a tug-of-war between progressive reinterpretation and fidelity to its source material, a struggle emblematic of Disney's broader challenges in "political correctness."  

Central to the controversy is the casting of Rachel Zegler, a US actress of Colombian descent, as Snow White - a character traditionally defined by her "skin as white as snow, lips as red as blood, and hair as black as ebony." 

Many netizens worldwide, including those from China, argue that Zegler's complexion deviates from the original description, questioning Disney's commitment to authenticity of the story. 

The backlash mirrors earlier disputes over black actress Halle Bailey's casting in 2023's The Little Mermaid. 

Shi Wenxue, a Beijing-based film critic, told the Global Times that the reboots of live-action films like The Little Mermaidor Snow Whitestem from Disney's "story drought." However, the films failed to make more innovative attempts in character development and storytelling, and the backlash was fueled by a perception that Disney was prioritizing "political correctness" over the original character's identity.

In addition, the live-action remake's handling of the Seven Dwarfs further complicates matters. Disney has opted to use computer-generated imagery (CGI) for the dwarfs, which Disney says are now called "magical creatures," rather than real life actors. 

The move has been criticized by the dwarfism community, who lamented the loss of potential dream roles for actors. This casting strategy under the guise of multiculturalism has not only failed to truly reflect inclusiveness, but also sparked more questions.

"Real progress should be reflected in character depth and narrative innovation, not just in 'political correctness' labels such as skin color or gender," Shi said.

While pursuing "political correctness," Disney seems to have overlooked the commercial value of its films and the audience's level of acceptance. 

The production cost of the film has reached over $200 million, but after the release of its trailer, the film faced widespread audience backlash, even receiving more than 1 million dislikes. 

This kind of forced implementation of "political correctness" has not only failed to win the recognition of the audience but may also have a negative impact on the film's box office and reputation.

Although the film has not yet been released, some interviews with the main creators have shadowed the forced implementation of plot changes and highlighted the dilemma of classic IP adaptation.

According to US entertainment business news site Variety, Zegler began saying in red-carpet interviews in the summer of 2022 that her version of the iconic princess wouldn't spend her days pining over a man. She called aspects of the original story "weird" and said that the 1937 film's prince "literally stalks" Snow White.

While such changes try to align with modern feminist ideals, they risk alienating audiences who cherish the tale's romantic essence. In addition, it goes against the core emotions and story logic of the original work.

How to make classics carry the spirit of the times while not losing their essential charm is still a problem that Disney urgently needs to solve.

Film critics argue that Disney's approach prioritizes ideological messaging over narrative coherence, reducing the story to a checklist of progressive tropes.

This tension reflects a broader industry dilemma: How to honor classics while appealing to contemporary sensibilities. 

In a successful reinvention, Chinese animated film Ne Zha 2reimagined mythology with bold visuals and thematic depth, winning big in box office and applause.

As Disney navigates this labyrinth, Snow Whiteserves as a cautionary tale. True progress in storytelling requires more than surface-level diversity; it demands nuanced characters, innovative narratives, and respect for the emotional core that connects generations. 

Without this balance, even the most well-intentioned adaptations risk becoming relics of a different kind - symbols of an industry struggling to reconcile its past with an uncertain future.

The film's success should hinge not on its politics but on its ability to enchant. 

As the Evil Queen might ask her mirror: Mirror, mirror, who holds the power - the storytellers, the audience, or something else? For Disney, the answer remains elusive.  

The author is a reporter with the Global Times. [email protected]