Introduction

Disney’s latest live-action adaptation of its animated classics has stirred significant controversy, especially with its recent Hollywood premiere on March 15. Unlike previous remakes that were well-received, the premiere of Snow White was unusually low-key, raising eyebrows within the industry and among fans alike.

Actors and Media Interaction

At the event, the studio notably kept its leading actors Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot away from media interactions. This lack of engagement is seen as a strategic move to avoid sparking discussions regarding the film's polarizing elements, including its portrayal of the Seven Dwarfs. The muted reception followed a similarly toned-down European premiere earlier in the week at a castle in Segovia, Spain, where attendance was limited to few media representatives.

Casting Controversy

The controversy began back in 2021 when Zegler, a Latina actress of Colombian and Polish descent, was cast as Snow White. Critics labeled the casting as “woke,” echoing debates over representation in Hollywood. Zegler herself voiced her commitment to the role without conforming to traditional standards of beauty, stating, “yes, I am Snow White, no, I am not bleaching my skin for the role” in a since-deleted tweet.

Criticism of the Original Film

Tensions escalated further when Zegler openly criticized the original 1937 animated film, calling the love interest a “stalker” and expressing disdain for romantic tropes, stating that the new version would not have Snow White waiting for a prince. Such remarks alienated some fans who longed for the nostalgia and charm of the original story.

Social Media Backlash

Criticism of the film has been compounded by social media comments from both Zegler and Gadot. Zegler included a "#FreePalestine" in her posts, which contrasts with Gadot's public support for Israel, leading to further scrutiny and debate among fans.

Representation of the Seven Dwarfs

In another contested point, Disney has dropped the traditional characters of the Seven Dwarfs from the film's title, leading to backlash from actor Peter Dinklage, who has been vocal about the outdated portrayal of dwarfism in cinema. Dinklage called out Disney's contradictory approach to inclusivity, questioning how the studio could portray a Latina as Snow White while simultaneously banking on an outdated narrative involving dwarfs.

Disney's Response

In response to criticism, Disney indicated plans to present the dwarfs as magical, gnome-like characters through CGI rather than using human actors, a change that has not fully appeased those advocating for more authentic representations of dwarfism in cinema. Some actors with dwarfism have expressed frustration, stating that this decision effectively canceled potential roles for actors in their community.

Conclusion

The overall controversy surrounding Disney's Snow White highlights significant societal divisions in terms of race, representation, and cultural sensitivity. Expected to hit theaters soon, the film's production has faced numerous challenges, including delays related to the pandemic and Hollywood strikes, with reported costs exceeding $200 million.

As the release date approaches, Disney hopes that all this attention—both positive and negative—will translate into box office success. Zegler stated in an interview, “What an honor to be part of something that people feel so passionate about,” suggesting that regardless of the backlash, excitement for the film remains among fans. Whether this passion will convert into ticket sales remains to be seen.