Disney's Snow White Remake: Addressing The Biggest Issue

Omar Yusuf

5 min read

Post on May 14, 2025

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The Original Prince Charming: A Passive and Problematic Figure

The Prince in Disney's original animated Snow White is, frankly, a passive and problematic figure. His actions, or rather, lack thereof, raise serious questions about his character and motives. Let's analyze his role:

• Lack of Agency: The Prince's role largely consists of reacting to events. He doesn't actively participate in rescuing Snow White; he essentially stumbles upon her and performs a "true love's kiss" without her consent. His agency is minimal; he's a reactive character propelled by fate rather than his own initiative.

• Questionable Motives: Is his love for Snow White genuine, or is he simply captivated by her beauty? His swift declaration of love after only a brief encounter raises concerns about the depth of his feelings. The original narrative prioritizes physical attraction over any demonstrable connection or shared experience.

• The Problematic "True Love's Kiss": This trope, central to the original film, is profoundly problematic in a modern context. The kiss, performed while Snow White is unconscious, completely undermines the concept of consent. This scene normalizes the idea that a woman's unconsciousness is acceptable grounds for a romantic advance—a deeply unsettling message for young viewers.

Consider this quote from the original film: "Only true love's kiss can awaken her." This line encapsulates the problematic nature of the Prince's actions, implying a magical cure rather than respecting Snow White's agency and autonomy. The message this sends to children about romantic relationships and consent is deeply concerning.

The Remake's Potential to Address (or Ignore) the Issue

Disney's live-action Snow White remake presents a unique opportunity to rectify the problematic aspects of the original Prince Charming. While details remain scarce, there's potential to significantly revise his character arc:

• A More Active Role: The remake could give the Prince a more proactive role, perhaps actively participating in Snow White's journey and demonstrating genuine care and respect for her.

• Character Development and Flaws: Introducing flaws and complexities to the Prince's character can create a more relatable and nuanced portrayal. He could be shown struggling with his own insecurities or facing challenges that require growth and self-reflection.

• Challenging the "True Love's Kiss": The most impactful change would be to completely reimagine or remove the "true love's kiss" scene. Replacing it with a scenario that respects Snow White's autonomy, perhaps showcasing her own agency in waking herself up or a different method of saving her, would be a powerful statement.

The success of the Snow White remake hinges, in part, on how it chooses to handle the Prince's character. A revised character arc can significantly improve the narrative and resonate far better with a modern audience, ensuring the film doesn't perpetuate harmful stereotypes about romance and consent.

Modern Expectations and the Importance of Representation

Societal expectations regarding romantic relationships and consent have drastically evolved since the release of the original Snow White. Modern audiences, particularly young viewers, expect more from their media. Positive and healthy representation in children's films is paramount:

• Impact on Young Viewers: Problematic romantic portrayals can negatively shape young viewers' perceptions of relationships, normalizing unhealthy dynamics and potentially influencing their future interactions.

• Reflecting Changing Societal Norms: Disney, as a global entertainment giant, has a responsibility to reflect and adapt to evolving societal norms and values. Ignoring these concerns would be a missed opportunity for positive change.

• Positive Male Role Models: The portrayal of male characters in children's media profoundly affects both boys and girls. The Prince's character should serve as a positive role model, promoting healthy relationships and respectful behavior, not perpetuating harmful stereotypes.

The need for consent education and the importance of healthy relationships are widely discussed topics. Disney’s Snow White remake has a chance to contribute meaningfully to these conversations by updating the Prince Charming character and storyline, avoiding the pitfalls of the original.

Conclusion: Reimagining Prince Charming in Disney's Snow White Remake

The original Prince Charming in Disney's Snow White is undeniably problematic, embodying passivity, questionable motives, and a complete disregard for consent. The live-action remake offers a crucial opportunity to address these issues, crafting a more responsible and relatable character. By giving the Prince agency, developing his personality, and eliminating the problematic "true love's kiss," Disney can significantly enhance the film's narrative and its message.

Let's discuss how Disney's Snow White remake handles the Prince Charming problem. Share your thoughts on how this crucial aspect of the story could—and should—be updated for a modern audience. The success of this remake will be judged not only on its visuals and special effects but also, and perhaps more importantly, on its ability to move beyond outdated representations of love and consent, thus ensuring a positive impact on a new generation of viewers and ultimately enriching the legacy of the Snow White story.