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Disney’s new live-action adaptation of its iconic 1937 animated film “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” has faced significant challenges leading up to its theatrical debut this weekend.
Since production began in 2022, the film has garnered attention for various controversies, including a prolonged release timeline, discussions about its character portrayals, and the public statements of its lead actress, which have sparked considerable backlash.
Here we outline five key controversies surrounding Disney’s live-action “Snow White” prior to its release on Friday, which has received mixed reviews from critics, including a notable comment from a New York Times reviewer labeling the film’s mediocrity as “one of its major disappointments.”
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“Snow White” actress Rachel Zegler attends the film’s premiere in Hollywood. (Rodin Eckenroth / Stringer)
Disney Faces Criticism over Dwarf Representation
Long before the film’s release, actor Peter Dinklage, who has dwarfism, challenged Disney’s approach to portraying the seven dwarfs, expressing concern over the potential perpetuation of stereotypes associated with these characters.
In an appearance on Marc Maron’s podcast in 2022, Dinklage remarked, “You’re progressive in one way, but you’re still making that f—–g backwards story about seven dwarfs living in a cave together. What the f— are you doing, man?”
In response to Dinklage’s criticism, the studio promised to reevaluate its depiction of the characters. An official statement from Disney in January 2022 indicated their commitment to consulting with members of the dwarfism community to avoid reinforcing outdated stereotypes.
Ultimately, the film opted to employ CGI technology to create representations of the dwarf characters rather than traditional actors.
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Classic Disney characters like Doc, Happy, and Sleepy can be found in the franchise’s rich history. For the upcoming remake, questions about the portrayal of these beloved dwarfs have sparked significant dialogue.
Lead Actress Questions Animated Film’s Message
Rachel Zegler, who portrays Snow White, has frequently attracted attention—and controversy—for her comments regarding the animated film’s themes. During a 2022 appearance at Disney’s D23 Expo, Zegler remarked, “The original cartoon came out in 1937… There’s a big focus on her love story with a guy who literally stalks her. Weird! Weird. So we didn’t do that this time.”
Zegler has maintained that her critics overreact to her comments, perceiving her outspokenness as “fearlessness” in discussing the story’s evolution.
In a shift from the original film, the upcoming version refrains from depicting Snow White pursuing a romantic fantasy but instead showcases her journey toward becoming a leader. Although the prince does not feature prominently, her love interest plays a vital role in her survival during crucial moments.
Film’s Release Delayed by a Year
In response to the backlash surrounding the film’s character portrayals and Zegler’s comments, Disney delayed the movie’s release, rescheduling from March 2024 to March 2025. This postponement was met with speculation that it was necessary to adjust the film’s content to align with perceived progressive ideals.
Alternative explanations, such as those from “The Hollywood Reporter,” suggested that the delay correlated with the SAG-AFTRA actors’ strike, implying that studios were reevaluating their upcoming release schedules.
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Zegler has faced backlash regarding her dismissive comments toward the original film’s romantic themes, sparking conversations about the evolution of storytelling.
Zegler’s Controversial Comments on Political Issues
In addition to her criticisms of the original “Snow White,” Zegler has attracted further scrutiny for her political statements while promoting the new film.
In August 2024, amidst excitement for the trailer release, Zegler posted on social media, “And always remember, free Palestine.” This statement sparked speculation regarding its implications for her co-star Gal Gadot, who has publicly supported Israel during recent conflicts.
Moreover, following the 2024 presidential election, Zegler expressed her discontent towards Donald Trump and his supporters, stating, “May Trump supporters and Trump voters and Trump himself never know peace,” which was met with backlash, prompting her to issue an apology for the heated comments.
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After the presidential election, Zegler did not shy away from expressing her frustration toward Trump’s supporters.
Disney Reduces Scope of Hollywood Premiere
In a surprising turn of events, Disney opted for a scaled-down premiere event for “Snow White,” leading many to speculate about the studio’s confidence in the film’s reception.
Reports indicated that the traditional grand red carpet event was significantly pared back, absent of typical media presence, which included interviews with dedicated coverage of the cast and crew. Although stars like Zegler and Gadot attended a select screening, coverage was limited primarily to photographers.
Actor Martin Klebba, who voices “Grumpy,” expressed disappointment over the decision to minimize the premiere events, indicating a sense of frustration with societal reactions that have overshadowed the hard work that went into creating the film.
Christian Toto, a conservative film critic and host of “The Hollywood in Toto Podcast,” characterized the film’s development as marked by poor media management, suggesting that the myriad controversies surrounding the film have significantly impacted its box office prospects.
Despite these challenges, Toto noted that “Snow White” could still perform adequately at the box office, as Disney’s reputation and the children’s film market could maintain interest. However, he cautioned that the missteps throughout the production process could dampen overall financial returns.
Fox News Digital has sought commentary from Disney regarding these developments.
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