Disney’s upcoming live-action Snow White has been surrounded by controversy since its announcement. Now, the studio is scaling back its Hollywood premiere, limiting media access and keeping the event low-key. But why? Let’s dive into the Snow White controversy and the drama surrounding the film.
The Issues Behind the Snow White Controversy
Political Divide Between Stars
The film’s two leads, Rachel Zegler (Snow White) and Gal Gadot (the Evil Queen), have opposing views on the Israel-Palestine conflict. Zegler has openly supported Palestine, previously posting “Free Palestine” on social media. On the other hand, Gadot, an Israeli actress and former Israel Defense Forces member, has been vocal in defending Israel. This divide has fueled debates online, drawing both praise and criticism from fans.
Casting and Storyline Backlash
From the start, Snow White has faced criticism for its casting and modernized storyline. Zegler, a Latina actress, received backlash from some Disney purists who questioned her portrayal of a character historically depicted with “skin as white as snow.” Zegler responded by saying her Snow White’s name reflects resilience, not complexion.
Additionally, the actress called the 1937 original “extremely dated” and claimed the prince acted like a “stalker.” She also stated that the remake would focus less on romance and more on Snow White as a leader. Some fans embraced this change, while others slammed it as unnecessary and “woke.”
The Seven Dwarfs Debate
Another major Snow White controversy involved the Seven Dwarfs. In 2022, Game of Thrones actor Peter Dinklage, who has dwarfism, criticized Disney for retelling a “backward” story. Disney initially planned to reimagine the characters, but backlash led to another course correction. The final version uses CGI dwarfs resembling those from the original animated film.
Rachel Zegler’s Trump Comments
Zegler further sparked controversy with her reaction to Donald Trump’s 2024 reelection. She posted on Instagram: “May Trump supporters and Trump voters and Trump himself never know peace.” After facing intense criticism, she later apologized, saying emotions got the best of her. However, the damage was done, and the backlash intensified.
How the Snow White Controversy Affects Disney’s PR
The controversy surrounding Snow White has had a clear impact. Disney is drastically reducing media access at the March 15 premiere at the El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles. Unlike usual big-budget rollouts, press coverage will be limited to in-house photographers. Zegler and Gadot are expected to attend, but there will be no red carpet interviews.
This decision contrasts with Disney’s past blockbuster premieres, like 2023’s The Little Mermaid, which had a major media push. Some speculate that Disney is trying to avoid further backlash, while others think it signals a lack of confidence in the film.
Final Thoughts on the Snow White Controversy
The Snow White controversy highlights the challenges of modernizing a classic fairytale. Political tensions, casting debates, and social media backlash have made this one of Disney’s most controversial projects. With a $269 million budget, the studio is hoping for a box office hit, but whether audiences will embrace the remake remains to be seen. Snow White is set to release in the UK on March 21, 2025. Will it be a success or a major flop? Only time will tell.
