Disney was urged to alter Snow White’s storyline since it encourages “kissing without consent.”
The 1937 premiere of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is remembered as Disney’s first feature-length animated picture. Since then, numerous generations have cherished this childhood classic as a cinematic milestone.
Origins and Enduring Allure
The movie, which is based on the Brothers Grimm’s German classic, follows the tale of a princess who, after being banished by her evil stepmother, makes friends and finds comfort with seven dwarfs. The United States Library of Congress has designated the movie as “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” despite its age. as reported by the Times of Los Angeles. On the other hand, some spectators in the present era are demanding that the movie be updated to reflect modern tastes and ideals.
Demands Modernization
A number of Disney classics that were originally only joyful things to look at are now seen more critically. “As a kid, I never knew how dark and sinister some scenes were,” one a social media user. “You ever go back and watch some of the Disney animated movies that came out when we were kids and realized how dark and not really for kids they were?” tweeted someone else, echoing similar sentiment.
The Differing Kiss
Debate centers on a particular moment from Snow White. In the pivotal scene in the film, the prince gives Snow White a seemingly lifeless kiss out of sadness. Some claim that this scene is inappropriate and out of date. When Nichi Hodgson, a journalist and presenter, appeared on the British daytime TV program Good Morning Britain, she criticized the segment for conveying an unclear message regarding consent. She brought up the fact that this kiss scene was an addition made by Disney and was not included in the original Brothers Grimm tale.
Disney is obligated morally. If they so want, they are able to do business ethically. Their movies bring in billions of dollars annually. They are among the first stories that young children are exposed to when they watch their flicks. According to Hodgson.
Celebrity Views
Celebrities have even weighed in on the subject. The actress Kristen Bell talked about how uncomfortable she felt about the kissing scene with her kids. “Don’t you think that it’s weird that the prince kisses Snow White without her permission?” she asked in an interview with Parents magazine. because while someone is sleeping, you cannot kiss them!
Public Response
Opinions in the public still differ. Some people think the original tale should not be altered. “I think it’s great we’re opening up the debate about consent, but people blaming Disney—teenagers don’t become confused about consent because of a passionate kiss at the end of a movie,” someone commented. “Leave Disney alone; it’s a fairytale,” another person said. Another viewpoint said, “Why not look at it as the kiss of life?” Another said, “I’d argue that Snow White would readily give her consent to be kissed since not kissing her would condemn her to eternal sleep.”
Disneyland’s Renovation of Rides
When Disneyland in California redesigned the Snow White Enchanted Wish ride, which now ends with the prince’s kiss, the debate was sparked once more. SFGate reviewers Julie Tremaine and Katie Dowd attacked the addition, saying it made the “movie’s biggest problem” worse.
“Haven’t we already decided that one of the biggest problems with early Disney films is consent?” the review raised a query. “That teaching children that kissing is inappropriate before it has been determined whether both parties are willing to engage in it?”
Looking Ahead: The Remake of Snow White
The famous kiss sequence from the original film is still there, but the 2025 release of the Snow White remake promises a different approach. In an interview with Extra TV, Rachel Zegler, who will portray the lead, discussed her opinions about the original movie. She called Snow White and the prince’s connection “weird” and made a suggestion that the romance between them would not be highlighted in the film version. Zegler even made a joke about perhaps removing the prince’s scenes, remarking, “This is Hollywood, baby.”
Disney is always changing, so maintaining a balance between nostalgia and modern principles is a difficult but important endeavor. H/t IGV.
