Disney’s live-action remake of Snow White is set to premiere in UK cinemas next week, but the film has been surrounded by controversy since its production began. Starring Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, the film has sparked debates over its casting choices, CGI use, and comments made by the lead actress.
Dwarfism Representation Sparks Debate
The controversy began in early 2022 when Game of Thrones actor Peter Dinklage, who has achondroplasia, criticized the retelling of the classic fairy tale. He called it a “backward” decision to continue portraying dwarfs in a stereotypical manner. In response, Disney opted for computer-generated dwarfs rather than hiring actors with dwarfism.
However, several performers with dwarfism have spoken out against this decision. Actor Choon Tan called the move “absolutely absurd and discriminatory,” arguing that opportunities for actors with dwarfism are already scarce. Another performer, Blake Johnston, accused Disney of caving to “political correctness,” which ultimately reduced job opportunities for actors in the community.
A Controversial Casting Choice
Beyond the dwarfism debate, Snow White has faced criticism regarding its lead actress, Rachel Zegler. The Colombian-American actress was cast as the traditionally fair-skinned princess, sparking backlash from some fans who argued that the casting strayed too far from the original character description. The controversy mirrored the backlash Disney faced when casting Halle Bailey, a Black actress, in The Little Mermaid.
Rachel Zegler’s Comments Add Fuel to the Fire
Zegler’s own remarks about the original 1937 animated film intensified the controversy. In 2022, she called the classic version “extremely dated” and criticized its portrayal of romance. “The original cartoon came out in 1937, and very evidently so,” she stated. “There’s a big focus on her love story with a guy who literally stalks her. Weird! So we didn’t do that this time.”
Her comments led to a backlash from fans who felt she disrespected the beloved classic. Critics accused her of trying to modernize a story that should remain true to its original form. Disney, however, has defended the changes, emphasizing that the remake aims to update the story for contemporary audiences.
A Low-Key Premiere Amid Backlash
Unlike typical Disney premieres, which often take place in grand locations like London’s Leicester Square or Hollywood, Snow White had a significantly scaled-down European premiere. It was held at a remote castle in Northern Spain, the inspiration for the original film’s castle. Only a select group of media outlets and guests attended, and most major journalists were not invited. Reports indicate that the Los Angeles premiere will also be subdued, with limited red-carpet interaction.
Behind-the-Scenes Tensions?
Rumors have circulated about tensions between lead actresses Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot due to their opposing political views on the Israel-Palestine conflict. While some fans speculate that their relationship is strained, others argue that these rumors are unfounded, citing their recent joint appearance at the Oscars.
Disney’s Live-Action Remakes: A Divisive Trend
Disney has increasingly relied on live-action remakes of animated classics, including Aladdin, The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, The Jungle Book, and The Little Mermaid. While these films often generate box office success, they frequently face criticism for altering beloved stories. The controversy surrounding Snow White highlights the ongoing challenges Disney faces in balancing nostalgia with modern storytelling.
Final Thoughts
As Snow White nears its release, Disney finds itself navigating yet another cultural debate. From the use of CGI dwarfs to Rachel Zegler’s polarizing remarks, the film has struggled to escape controversy. Whether it succeeds or flops at the box office remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—this is no fairy tale ending for Disney’s latest live-action project.