Disney’s upcoming live-action remake of “Snow White” has been plagued by controversies, leading to a scaled-back Hollywood premiere on March 15 . The film, directed by Marc Webb and starring Rachel Zegler as Snow White and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, has faced criticism regarding casting choices, perceived political undertones, and the film’s modern interpretation of the classic fairy tale. As a result, Disney has limited media access to the premiere, opting for a smaller event with only photographers and an in-house crew.
Casting Controversy: Rachel Zegler as Snow White
The casting of Rachel Zegler, a Latina actress, as Snow White sparked immediate backlash from some Disney fans. Critics argued that Zegler’s casting contradicted the traditional depiction of Snow White as having “skin as white as snow” . Zegler defended her casting, emphasizing the character’s popularity in Spanish-speaking countries and her pride in representing her heritage. She also mentioned that the film would explain the character’s name by depicting her surviving a snowstorm as a child.
“Dated” Plot and Feminist Undertones
Further controversy arose from Zegler’s comments about the original 1937 animated film, which she described as “dated”. She noted that the remake would present a more feminist version of Snow White , one who dreams of becoming a leader rather than being saved by a prince or finding true love. These remarks triggered criticism from conservative commentators, who accused Zegler of turning the film into a “girl boss” story. Zegler later clarified that the film’s “love story is very integral” and that she did not intend to criticize the original.
Peter Dinklage and the Seven Dwarfs
Actor Peter Dinklage, who has dwarfism, publicly criticized Disney’s portrayal of the seven dwarfs, arguing that it perpetuated negative stereotypes . He questioned Disney’s pride in casting a Latina actress while still telling a “backward story about seven dwarfs living in a cave together”. In response, Disney stated that it was consulting with members of the dwarfism community to avoid reinforcing stereotypes. However, leaked set photos depicting only one actor with dwarfism and six actors of different races led to further criticism, with some arguing that the casting took away potential jobs for actors with dwarfism . Disney addressed Dinklage’s concerns, stating, “To avoid reinforcing stereotypes from the original animated film, we are taking a different approach with these seven characters and have been consulting with members of the dwarfism community”.
Political Views: Zegler, Gadot, and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
The political views of the film’s lead actresses have also fueled controversy. Zegler has publicly supported Palestine on social media, while Gadot, who is Israeli, has been an outspoken supporter of Israel. Gadot has stayed away from politics in the past, but has said she felt she needed to speak up after the Oct. 7 Hamas attack. This difference in views has led to calls for boycotts of the film. Some pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside the premiere of “Captain America: Brave New World” due to the inclusion of an Israeli superhero. Zegler also faced backlash for criticizing Donald Trump and his supporters after the 2024 election, later apologizing for her remarks.
Premiere Details and Future Prospects
Despite the controversies, Disney is moving forward with the release of “Snow White,” scheduled to hit theaters on March 21. The scaled-back premiere will include a pre-party and screening at the El Capitan Theatre, with Zegler and Gadot expected to attend. Publicity plans have included Gadot and Zegler presenting together at the Oscars. According to The Hollywood Reporter , the film is projected to gross $53 million in its opening weekend. The official trailer has already garnered 11.8 million views on YouTube.