The Death of Snow White: A Horror Twist on a Classic Tale
The iconic fairy tale of Snow White, penned by the Brothers Grimm, featuring an envious queen and a beautiful maiden, was first published in 1812. Having long entered the public domain due to the expiration of copyright laws, filmmakers are now free to adapt the original story. While they must avoid elements specifically added or interpreted by Disney (whose modern adaptation starring Rachel Zegler is already stirring controversy), they can freely utilize and reimagine the original narrative. This is precisely what’s happening with the horror reimagining, “The Death of Snow White,” a trailer for which showcases bloodthirsty dwarves, violence, and gore.
This isn’t necessarily a direct rebellion against Disney’s project, which has become a lightning rod for controversy. There’s already “Snow White and the Evil Queen,” starring YouTuber Brett Cooper, which embraces tradition and rejects the casting of a Hispanic actress as Snow White. “The Death of Snow White” aligns more with the growing trend of horror adaptations of famous fairy tales and characters that have recently entered the public domain.
Many beloved characters have been given the horror treatment, often with questionable results. Mickey Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, Bambi, and Popeye are among those who have been reimagined in terrifying ways. Many of these films (such as “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey” and “Bambi: The Reckoning”) are part of a shared cinematic universe called “The Twisted Childhood Universe,” akin to the Avengers. Snow White, however, has been freely interpreted by filmmakers for years. The key is to avoid specific Disney versions of characters or musical themes that are still protected by copyright.
Now, director Jason Brooks, who previously contributed to the “Friday the 13th” franchise with “Friday the 13th Vengeance 2: Bloodlines,” is throwing his hat into the ring. His version of Snow White, produced by Real Fiction Studios, promises a dark fantasy take on the classic Grimm fairy tale with horror elements. Expect a self-harming Evil Queen and dwarves with a penchant for brutal killings. The synopsis promises a terrifying film with an expanded story, brutal violence, and breathtaking practical special effects.
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The trailer, however, might not leave you gasping for air in a good way. The low-budget sets and actors, including a rather uninspiring Snow White, spend too much time talking and not enough time showcasing the promised horror. The seven dwarves, armed with sharp weapons, don’t exactly inspire fear. It’s likely that the film’s theatrical release in March will be met with more cynical laughter than genuine terror.
Perhaps it will be better than the preemptive hate directed at Disney’s “Snow White,” which premieres on March 20 after a series of unpopular trailers. At least this version doesn’t rely on grotesque CGI, and some B-movie enthusiasts might appreciate that the dark undertones of the Grimm’s fairy tale aren’t masked by a saccharine narrative of true love’s kiss and cheerful dwarves with pickaxes.