‘Snow White’ Creator Breaks Silence, Reveals Controversial Changes

in Disney, Entertainment

Snow White dancing with the seven dwarfs

Credit: Disney

There are more controversies afoot related to Snow White than just the live-action film being produced by Disney.

Snow White holding bird in 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs'
Credit: Disney

According to a report by Brick Fanatics, Harry Finkel’s LEGO Ideas Snow White project initially made it to the second 2019 review but was ultimately rejected. Undeterred, he revamped his proposal, focusing on a large-scale cottage inspired by the 1937 Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Disney film. This redesign garnered 10,000 votes, propelling it into the first 2021 review.

Despite ongoing consideration by the LEGO Group, with an announcement made in October 2021 regarding the potential release of the project, disappointment ensued for Harry. In February 2024, almost precisely two years after the rejection of his submission, the LEGO Group unveiled the Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs‘ Cottage set under the LEGO Disney line, distinct from the LEGO Ideas platform. Remarkably, the final build bore a striking resemblance to Harry’s original pitch.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs LEGO set
Credit: LEGO

“I feel let down by the LEGO Group,” Harry told Brick Fanatics. “I’ve been a lifelong fan and having an Ideas set make it all the way has been a dream for me, as it is for many fans out there. There was clearly interest from TLG to make the set as it ‘required further review’, and we were told there were ‘a few boxes left to tick.'”

Expressing his disillusionment, Harry conveyed to Brick Fanatics his disappointment with the LEGO Group’s decision. Despite the initial interest and indication of further review, the project was ultimately declined. The subsequent release of a similar set by the LEGO Group within the anticipated timeframe for the Ideas project left him feeling disheartened, despite understanding the complexities involved.

“They then rejected it saying they would not produce the project as a set, and now their own version of the set is released within the timeframe that could’ve been expected for the Ideas project. I assume this wasn’t a case of the LEGO Group already working on the set as it would’ve been rejected in the review stage. I understand there are many factors involved, but this has been disheartening.”

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs LEGO set
Credit: LEGO (both images)

The set is currently priced at $219.99.

As Disney has looked to adapt its animated version and create a live-action version, controversy abounds with this project, as well. The film stars Rachel Zegler as the Disney princess, as well as Gal Gadot (Evil Queen) and Andrew Burnap (Jonathan), but many fans have expressed backlash over Disney changing the film too much from the source material. Even with the movie delayed a full year, many box office insiders believe the company will have a hard time overcoming the backlash it has already faced, particularly among fans who have dubbed the project “woke.”

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) holds a significant place in Disney history as the studio’s first full-length animated feature film. Adapted from the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale, the movie introduced audiences to the enchanting story of Snow White, a beautiful princess forced to flee from her evil stepmother, the Queen.

Rachel Zegler on a still of Snow White looking shocked
Credit: Inside the Magic

Accompanied by the lovable Seven Dwarfs – Grumpy, Sleepy, Bashful, Sneezy, Happy, Doc, and Dopey – Snow White’s journey captures themes of friendship, resilience, and the triumph of good over evil. For Disney, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs marked a pivotal moment, showcasing the studio’s ability to create immersive storytelling experiences through animation. The film’s unprecedented success not only established Disney as a leader in animated filmmaking but also laid the foundation for the studio’s future classics.

What do you think of this LEGO Disney set? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments!

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