2012 looks like it will be many things, the least of which, it is a year when not just ONE but TWO Snow White live action adaptations grace our screens. Based on the information we have received to date, Snow White and the Huntsman is definitely taking a decidedly darker tone (as evoked in its comparatively muted tones) to the brighter, lighter Mirror, Mirror. This of course these versions will jar the image of Snow White that currently resides in our collective conscience – the ubiquitous Walt Disney classic from 1937. However, if you recall, that was a colorful, yet rather scary animated feature.
Bearing in mind there have been several adaptations over the years in various forms of media – TV and film being the notable means. More recent incarnation on film included the little seen, and quite hokey 2007 Amanda Bynes star vehicle (Sydney White). And on the small screen, ABC debuted the series Once Upon a Time, based on the fairytale, this past fall. Both of these recent adaptations have a decidedly contemporary feel to them.
Below are a few stills to whet your appetite.
First up is Relativity Media’s Mirror, Mirror (Release Date: March 30th):
SYNOPSIS (Courtesy of Relativity Media):
One of the most beloved stories of all time is coming to life in the motion picture event, Mirror Mirror. A fresh and funny retelling of the Snow White legend, Mirror Mirror features breakout star Lily Collins (The Blind Side) as Snow White, a princess in exile, and Oscar®-winner Julia Roberts as the evil Queen who ruthlessly rules her captured kingdom. Seven courageous rebel dwarfs join forces with Snow White as she fights to reclaim her birthright and win her Prince in this magical adventure comedy filled with jealousy, romance, and betrayal that will capture the hearts and imaginations of audiences the world over. The film also stars Armie Hammer (The Social Network) as the Prince, and Nathan Lane (The Birdcage) as the hapless and bungling servant to the Queen.
Click here for the trailer.
Coming a few months later, in the midst of summer blockbuster season is Snow White and the Huntsman, which will grace theaters on June 1st.
SYNOPSIS (Courtesy of Universal Pictures)
In the epic action-adventure Snow White and the Huntsman, Kristen Stewart (Twilight) plays the only person in the land fairer than the evil queen (Oscar® winner Charlize Theron) out to destroy her. But what the wicked ruler never imagined is that the young woman threatening her reign has been training in the art of war with a huntsman (Chris Hemsworth, Thor) dispatched to kill her. Sam Claflin (Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides) joins the cast as the prince long enchanted by Snow White’s beauty and power.
Click here for the trailer.
I did a similar post a while back between the two movies, I think right now I still give the Huntsman one the edge as I love Charlize as the evil queen, Julia just seems miscast. I still might rent Mirror, Mirror as I generally like Tarsem’s style. Btw, I’ve been curious to see ‘Once Upon a Time’ on TV, sounds enchanting but It’s really tough for me to get hooked on a TV show lately.
Not that the Snow White story needed audience segmentation or anything but it seems crazy that the powers that be would think that it is a good idea to have two films out in the same year, albeit attacking the story from different angles. Oh well. I guess it is same thing (on a smaller scale) that happened to vampires over the past several years.
Mirror Mirror is obviously targeted at kids so this is easy. Snow White and the Huntsman is dark, gritty and more appropriate for people of our age ah 😉
Hey some grown up folk like bright cheery confection 😉
My money is on the darker Huntsman if I am honest. Although I know my girls will love Mirror Mirror
Yeah the reveal is in the title … not sure a film with “Huntsman” in the title would be that kid friendly.
If anyone over 12 picks Mirror Mirror I’d be surprised…
Charlize Theron looks seriously awesome in the Huntsman.
Hey Anna
Like I said you may be surprised what people respond to 🙂 I am still surprised that there would be a market for two Snow White films, even if they are targeting different demos.
Huntsman is darker, and I love Charlize Theron as the Queen, she is just stunning (who are they fooling, Kristen Stewart is not more beautiful than Theron), but I think Mirror, Mirror will also be fun and visually beautiful! I might see both!
Diana I agree. I think Stewart is ‘cute’ enough in her own right, but Theron is a stunner.
I can’t say I have a preference for either of these. The latter seems to be cashing in on the Game of Thrones/Camelot fantasy epic thing going around at the minute. The former looks like a live action version of the cartoon. Maybe I’ll just go back and watch the Disney film.
Hey Ronan, that is always a safe alternative!
I definetly prefer the one with Stewart and Theron, the Roberts’s one looks ridiculous. I just hope “Snow White and the Huntsman” is not going to be as cheesy and overloaded with CGI as “Alice in Wonderland”.
Clearly the Huntsman wins this battle. Thanks for visiting Sati!