When Disney Lost Its Way — And How They Can Find It Again

Disney used to be synonymous with timeless storytelling, the kind that lifted spirits and sparked hope. From classics like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to tales that celebrated love, redemption, and good triumphing over evil, the company built a legacy that left audiences enchanted. But somewhere along the way, the pixie dust seems to have faded, leaving many fans wondering: where did the magic go?

Take, for example, the upcoming live-action Snow White remake. Instead of honoring the original's enduring themes, the new version seems to be rewriting the fairy tale entirely. Lead actress Rachel Zegler dismissed the 1937 classic as "extremely dated," calling its love story "weird" and even describing the prince as a stalker. In her words, the new Snow White will be a "fearless leader"—though what she leads remains unclear.

The original Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs wasn’t just Disney’s first full-length animated film; it was a cultural milestone. Critics initially mocked Walt Disney's vision, dubbing the project "Disney’s Folly," but Walt saw something special—a story about innocence overcoming wickedness, beauty enduring, and love conquering hate. The film’s success launched an empire and proved that audiences crave meaningful stories.

The new iteration, however, trades love and hope for empowerment and self-sufficiency, replacing the iconic song "Someday My Prince Will Come" with "Waiting on a Wish." While empowerment isn’t inherently bad, stripping away the heart of the story—the triumph of good over evil—feels like Disney forgetting its roots.

Walt Disney himself famously said, "The important thing is the family. If you can keep the family together—that’s the backbone of our whole business." His vision for storytelling wasn’t just about entertainment; it was about meaning. Disneyland's original plans even included a church on Main Street—an acknowledgment of the values that inspired his work.

There may still be hope for Disney to rediscover its magic. The company’s new animated series, Win or Lose, features Laurie, an openly Christian character who prays for strength in a heartfelt scene. It’s a small gesture, but it hints at a willingness to embrace meaningful storytelling once again.

As a lifelong Disney fan, I believe the company can reclaim its magic by returning to the values that built its legacy: faith, family, and virtue. Walt himself understood the importance of these principles, saying, "In these days of world tensions, when the faith of men is being tested as never before, I am personally thankful that my parents taught me at a very early age to have a strong personal belief and reliance in the power of prayer for Divine inspiration."

Disney’s influence is global, and its stories shape the values of generations. To recapture the magic, the company must focus on uplifting messages—ones that inspire hope, celebrate family, and promote virtue. After all, isn’t that what fairy tales are all about?

Let’s hope Disney can find its way back to the magic.