“Magic Mirror on the wall, who is the fairest one of all?”
This famous line comes from none other than the Evil Queen in the 1937 film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. As Walt Disney’s first full-length animated project, this movie told the tale of a princess, a wicked stepmother, and a poisonous apple.
It broke records.
After its Hollywood premiere in late 1937, the movie gained popularity when it was released to the American public in February 1938. The Hollywood Reporter stated that the movie’s nationwide box office release garnered a whopping $8 million. Likewise, the film cost $1.5 million to make. Adjusted for inflation in 2025, that is $177,267,777.78 for its domestic release and $33,237,708.33 in production costs (to be exact). It was considered a success. This classic also held the spot of the highest-grossing animated film for 55 years.
Yet, these records weren’t the only thing that Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs did for modern culture; it also paved the way for what would eventually become the Disney empire.
Truthfully, what made this animated, family-friendly Disney film so loved was its fictional princess, Snow White, who was renowned for her beauty, gentle demeanor, and kindness.
Flash forward to 2025.
On March 21, Disney released its “live-action” version of this princess tale: Snow White. But this time, the film’s debut was marred by controversy. The actress cast to play the gentle Disney princess, Rachel Zegler, inadvertently brought the film into the spotlight with her prideful attitude and dislike of the original movie.
Before the 2025 release, Zegler sparked debate on the set, prompting many to form opinions about the film before it even hit the big screen. A Time Magazine article delved into the controversy surrounding the film and further explained this attitude from the show’s star. Zegler’s quotes below were taken from this article.
Of the original, Zegler stated, “A big focus on her love story with a guy who literally stalks her. Weird! Weird!” She also mentioned that Walt’s rendition of the Grimm Brothers’ tale was “dated.”
To challenge these “dated” thoughts, Zegler said that the 2025 version of the film would shift from these ideas and show Snow White “dreaming about becoming the leader she knows she can be” instead of focusing on her true love.
To make matters worse, Zelger, who is also a pro-Palestine supporter, also made note of these beliefs, belittling the faith and people of her well-known Israeli co-star, Gal Gadot.
When it came down to it, Miss Zegler’s attitude surrounding this film was not that of the calm, caring, kind princess that she was portraying. Instead, her actions resulted in consequences for everyone who participated in and worked on the film.
On its domestic opening weekend, the film only made $42.5 million, while Forbes reported that the production cost of the 2025 movie was $213.9 million. As of last weekend (April 4-6), Screen Rant shared that the film had just grossed $168 million globally – not breaking even.
So, what can we learn from this woeful story and Zegler’s attitude?
In this instance, Zegler’s actions and comments disrespected her coworkers and the company she worked for, harming her career and the project she was working on. But regardless of who you are, pride and haughtiness have consequences.
In Proverbs 16:18, we are warned about the damage this behavior can cause if it isn’t addressed.
Pride goes before destruction,
And a haughty spirit before stumbling.
How often do we let the tempting, poisonous taste of pride enter into our own lives?
Have we ever considered ourselves too good to apologize to someone we hurt?
What about when an outstanding award was won and mentioned to everyone on social media?
Has the thought of looking down on someone because they serve differently than you ever entered your mind?
We all are guilty!
These examples may not have the same effect and drastic repercussions as Zegler’s actions, but they are just as sinful in the Lord’s eyes. And if left to fester, they can become more damaging.
Yet, thankfully, this sin, just as any other, is forgiven under the blood of our Lord and Savior. If we ask Him, He will forgive us for indulging in the poisonous bite of pride.
