Honoring Walt’s Legacy Through Snow White
Walt Disney once said, “It all started with a mouse”—but when it comes to feature animation, it all started with Snow White. The original 1937 Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs wasn’t just Disney’s first animated feature—it was the first of its kind. Nearly a century later, Disney returns to that story in a bold new way, while honoring Walt’s legacy at every step.
In a special behind-the-scenes video, cast and creatives reflect on how the live-action Snow White stays rooted in the vision of the man who started it all.
A Groundbreaking Beginning
In 1937, no one had ever attempted a full-length animated feature film. Walt Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was a daring artistic leap—and it worked. The film became an instant classic, setting the tone for generations of animated storytelling.
Fast-forward to today: as director Marc Webb, producer Marc Platt, and star Rachel Zegler take on this iconic story, they do so with Walt’s fearless creativity in mind.
“This is a story about finding your voice,” says Zegler. “And that’s what Walt did with the original. He found his voice—and it was a game changer for the world.”
Reimagining Without Replacing
Rather than retelling Snow White, the filmmakers aimed to reimagine it for modern audiences while keeping its heart intact. The live-action film deepens character arcs, introduces new perspectives, and celebrates the emotional truth at the core of the original.
But one thing never changes: Walt Disney’s storytelling blueprint. “We went back to the Archives,” Webb explains. “There’s something magical about connecting with the foundation Walt built and building something new upon it.”
The team studied not only the film itself but early production artwork, notes, and music—ensuring every new element paid homage to Walt’s original dream.
A Living Tribute in Every Frame
According to the cast and creative team, this film is more than a remake—it’s a living tribute. From set design to costume details to re-orchestrated musical themes, the legacy of Walt Disney is threaded throughout.
Tony® Award winner Andrew Burnap, who plays Jonathan, shares, “To be part of this reimagining, knowing the impact the original had—it’s something really special.”
Behind the scenes, Oscar®-winning costume designer Sandy Powell and the music team brought fresh life to classic moments while respecting their origins. It’s not about replacing Walt’s vision. It’s about building on it—with love, reverence, and imagination.
A Timeless Story, Told Anew
As the live-action Snow White prepares to enchant a new generation, Disney reminds audiences where it all began: with a dream, a pencil, and a groundbreaking idea. The film is a celebration of innovation—but more importantly, it’s a tribute to the man whose vision changed storytelling forever.
“We don’t just want to entertain,” Webb says. “We want to inspire. That’s what Walt Disney did, and that’s what we’re trying to do now.”
And with Snow White returning to the big screen this March, Walt’s legacy shines as brightly as ever.
