People are urging Disney to revamp the plot of Snow White for modern times.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, released in 1937, was Disney’s first full-length animated film and is a childhood classic for many.
The movie, based on the German fairytale by the Brothers Grimm, follows a princess who befriends seven dwarfs after being exiled by her evil stepmother.
Although it’s been branded ‘culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant’ by the United States Library of Congress, per the Los Angeles Times, some modern-day viewers want it to be updated.
Several Disney films that once brought joy to many are now being looked at in a much darker light, with one person tweeting: “As a kid, I never knew how dark and sinister some scenes were.”
Another X (formerly Twitter) user tweets: “You ever go back and watch some of the Disney animated movies that came out when we were kids and realized how damn dark and not really for kids they were?”
In regards to Snow White, one scene in particular has sparked a fierce debate.
Towards the movie’s ending, there is a famous scene in which the prince kisses Snow White, heartbroken by her apparent death.
Some viewers believe this sequence is outdated and problematic.
During an appearance on the U.K. daytime TV show Good Morning Britain, journalist and broadcaster Nichi Hodgson suggested it sends a confusing message regarding consent.
She pointed out that Disney added the kiss scene, which wasn’t in the original Brothers Grimm story.
“Disney has a moral duty. They can be an ethical business if they want to be. They make billions every year from their films. Children watch their films from a very young age, and they are some of the first stories they imbibe,” Hodgson said.
Even celebrities have weighed in on the debate, with actress Kristen Bell telling Parents magazine she had a serious conversation about the kissing scene with her children.
The Frozen star said: “Don’t you think that it’s weird that the prince kisses Snow White without her permission? Because you cannot kiss someone if they’re sleeping!”
But not everyone agrees the original story should be changed, with one person penning: “I think it’s great we’re opening up the conversation about consent, but people blaming Disney – a romantic kiss at the end of a movie isn’t the reason teenagers become confused about consent.”
Another adds: “It’s a fairytale, leave Disney alone.”
“I’d argue that Snow White would readily give her consent to be kissed since not kissing her would condemn her to eternal sleep,” someone else argues.
A fourth person agrees, writing: “I can’t believe they’re saying Snow White is wrong now! Why not look at it as the kiss of life?”
The heated debate was reignited when Disneyland, California, gave the Snow White Enchanted Wish ride a makeover.
It now finishes with the prince kissing Snow White – which Julie Tremaine and Katie Dowd said in a review for SFGATE adds to the ‘movie’s biggest problem.’
“Haven’t we already agreed that consent in early Disney movies is a major issue?” the review questions.
“That teaching kids that kissing, when it hasn’t been established if both parties are willing to engage, is not okay?”
While the original movie’s kissing scene remains untouched, it’s been reported that the Snow White remake – set for a 2025 release – will go in a different direction.
Rachel Zegler, who will play the lead role, previously went viral after sharing her thoughts on the original.
In a chat with Extra TV, the actress said she found Snow White’s relationship with the prince ‘weird’ and ‘this time’ there won’t be a huge focus on the two.
She joked that the prince’s scenes could even be ‘cut,’ adding: “It’s Hollywood, baby.”