Live-action remakes of classic childhood cartoons are supposed to give us that warm nostalgia hit. Except these days, they seem more likely to create nothing other than debates and online meltdowns. Whether it’s casting choices or changes to a character’s backstory, people have different feelings about their favorite animated icons becoming real humans.
One of the most infamous examples is Disney’s live-action “Snow White.” When the filmmakers cast actress Rachel Zegler in the title role, some fans were outraged that she didn’t match the original 1937 animated version’s description: “skin as white as snow.” While some perceived it as a betrayal of the source material, others saw it as an opportunity to bring more diversity to the world. Students at Richland had a lot to say.
“I’m Latina, so I actually loved the idea of Rachel Zegler being Snow White,” said Natalie Ramos, a political science major. “People act like the original movie is going anywhere. It’s still there.”
“The way I see it is that it’s just another interpretation.” Not everyone agreed.
“I think some of these changes feel forced,” said Jana Menty, a business major. “It’s not about diversity; you’re literally remaking a movie, so if you’re not using the same characters, it’s not even a remake anymore. It’s whole new movie.”
Other students pointed to how similar controversies have played out. In “The Little Mermaid” remake, singer Halle Bailey’s casting as Ariel caused a stir for similar reasons.
“People are just scared of letting go,” said Arianna Lee, an accounting major. “The idea that a mermaid has to be white is honestly so wild to me. Like, it’s literally just a movie, why are you so mad over a Black Ariel?”
Some students saw the whole thing as a marketing move more than an artistic one. “I think studios lean into the controversy because it gets people talking,” said Ethan Liam, a business major. “You know how many people who complained about ‘The Little Mermaid’ still went and saw it? These remakes don’t even need to be good. They just need to be talked about.”
Some students were more playful in their takes. “Honestly, I just want them to stop doing live-actions,” said Arwa Bank, a computer science major. “Like, we’re good. Nobody needed a realistic ‘Lion King.’ The original movie already exists.”
So who’s right? It depends who you ask. And that might be the whole point.
The controversy around live-action remakes isn’t just about race or nostalgia or art. It’s about ownership. Who gets to retell the stories we grew up with? Who decides what counts as “faithful”? And what happens when the next generation wants to see themselves in those stories, too?
There may not be a clear answer, but one thing’s for sure: These adaptations aren’t going anywhere. And neither are the debates. So, whether you’re Team Original or Team Remix, get ready. Because sooner or later, your favorite childhood character is probably getting a glow-up and a backlash of their own.
