Spring 2025 will bring a new film adaptation of the legendary fairy tale of Snow White to Czech cinemas. From March 20, audiences can look forward to a live-action version of the classic Disney animation from 1937, this time starring Rachel Zegler in the lead role and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen. And of course, there will be no shortage of your favourite dwarves: Smudge, Prófa, Kejchal, Rejpal, Stydlín, Štístko and Dřímal.
Marc Webb is responsible for directing, while Marc Platt has taken charge of production. The film promises not only a visual spectacle, but also brand new songs from songwriting duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.
From Brothers Grimm fairy tale to Disney classic
The story of Snow White and her seven dwarfs is one of the most famous fairy tales in history. It was first performed on Broadway in 1912 as a stage play, and it was here that Walt Disney stumbled upon it. He decided to bring it to the screen and created the first full-length animated fairy tale, which became a hit and laid the foundation for the famous Disney studio.
A new treatment and bigger story
Due to the success of live-action remakes such as Aladdin, The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast, it was only a matter of time before Disney decided to retell the story of Snow White as well. While the original animated version was only 83 minutes long, the new treatment will keep viewers entertained for nearly two hours.
The creators decided to enrich the film not only with new songs, but also with additional plot twists. Audiences will learn things they may never have thought of, but will be glad they did.
How big are the dwarves?
Dwarves in European culture tend to be associated with mining and blacksmithing, which is reflected in the story of Snow White. Interestingly, the word "dwarf" comes from the Church Slavic word "three-fisted" - originally referring to a creature as tall as three adult fists on top of each other, about 30 cm.
In the animated version, the dwarves were noticeably larger and reached Snow White's waist. In the new live-action adaptation, they will be about 90 cm tall, which is equivalent to three feet.
How did the Czech names of the dwarves change?
The original Czech dubbing from 1938 gave the dwarves names that have endured to this day: Šmudla (Dopey), Prófa (Doc), Kejchal (Sneezy), Rejpal (Grumpy), Stydlín (Bashful), Štístko (Happy) and Dřímal (Sleepy). In 1970, however, there was a change, and the Doctor, Brumla, Hopla and Klimba appeared.
In the new live-action version, the creators returned to the original names from 1938, in order to maintain continuity with the first dub.
Saving Snow White and changing the prince's name
In the animated version, the prince's name was never revealed. In the new film, his name will be Adrian, although in the original English version it is Jonathan. The reason for the change was a concern that Czech viewers would confuse him with the popular dog Jonathan from Macha and Šebestová.
Fire during filming
The filming of the new Snow White was originally planned for 2020, but a pandemic delayed it. It ended up taking place mostly in London in 2022.
During set preparations at Pinewood Studios on March 15, 2022, a fire occurred when a prop tree caught fire and damaged the set. Fortunately, the incident did not claim any victims.
Music and final word
The new Snow White promises a successful combination of classic and modern elements, including new songs and bigger plot. It is sure to delight both older generations and younger audiences who are encountering the story of Snow White for the first time.
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