For nearly a century, Disney has been synonymous with magic, wonder and timeless storytelling. Its first full-length animated feature, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” released in 1937, was more than a technical marvel, it was a cultural milestone.
In a new video, Pastor Greg Laurie discussed Disney’s remake of “Snow White,” which has stirred up controversy because of the themes displayed in it that differ from the original film.
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Laurie believes this rendition of the classic film misses the mark. The new version, starring Rachel Zegler, abandons the original’s themes of romance, redemption and moral triumph. Zegler dismissed the 1937 classic as “extremely dated” and criticized its depiction of love, calling the prince’s pursuit of Snow White “weird.” The remake instead focuses on female empowerment, replacing the iconic song “Someday My Prince Will Come” with “Waiting on a Wish”—a modern anthem of self-sufficiency.
Laurie argues that stripping away the love story robs the film of its deeper, symbolic meaning. The original story was more than a fairy tale—it was a moral fable, echoing biblical truths. Snow White’s resurrection from her death-like sleep by the prince mirrors the Christian hope of redemption, paralleling Christ’s victory over sin and death. Replacing this message with a self-reliant narrative undermines the timeless values the story once conveyed.
Yet, Laurie sees a glimmer of hope. For the first time in two decades, Disney has introduced an openly Christian character. In the animated series “Win or Lose” on Disney+, one of the characters offers a heartfelt prayer.
Laurie views this as a small but meaningful step—an acknowledgment that faith still holds a place in storytelling.
“I want to believe that Disney can find it’s way back to what it was meant to be,” says Laurie. “If there’s any chance of that happening, the best thing Disney today could do is return to the roots of its founder to stories that celebrate family, virtue and faith.”
Will Disney give up its wokeness and turn around for the good? We will just have to wait and see.
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Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.
