Disney’s live-action Snow White remake is shaping up to be one of the company’s most controversial projects in recent years. The film, set to hit theaters on March 21, has faced backlash over casting choices, political statements from lead actress Rachel Zegler, and significant changes to the classic fairytale.
Adding to the chaos, Disney has reportedly canceled traditional red-carpet interviews for the film’s Hollywood premiere, possibly to avoid uncomfortable questions about the growing controversy.
Rachel Zegler’s Comments Spark Controversy
Zegler, 23, rose to fame in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story but has since alienated some fans with her outspoken views on social and political issues. She previously dismissed the original 1937 Snow White as outdated and problematic, saying the princess’s love story was centered around a prince who “literally stalks her.”
She also announced that her version of Snow White “is not going to be saved by the prince” and would instead focus on becoming a strong leader. The classic Disney song Some Day My Prince Will Come has been replaced with Waiting on a Wish, a modernized anthem that reflects the film’s new direction.
Critics argue that Disney has strayed too far from the original vision of Snow White, with some accusing the company of prioritizing political messaging over storytelling.
Industry Veterans Slam Disney’s Decisions
David Hale Hand, son of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs supervising director David Hand, expressed disappointment over the drastic changes. He said the remake bears little resemblance to the beloved original and believes his father and Walt Disney himself would be deeply disheartened.
His wife, Sandra Hand, echoed his sentiment, questioning why Disney didn’t simply create an entirely new story instead of altering a classic.
The film has also faced criticism over its depiction of the seven dwarfs. Early leaked set photos showed a diverse group of actors in place of the traditional dwarf characters, sparking outrage from some fans and members of the dwarfism community. Actor Jason Acuña, known as “Wee Man” from Jackass, criticized Disney for replacing roles that could have gone to actors with dwarfism. In response, Disney reportedly switched to using CGI characters for the dwarfs in the final version of the film.
Disney’s Marketing Dilemma and Fan Reaction
With backlash mounting, Disney appears to be shifting its promotional strategy. Reports suggest the studio will rely on influencers instead of traditional media outlets for interviews with Zegler and co-star Gal Gadot, who plays the Evil Queen.
Despite the turmoil, Disney is pushing ahead with the release, but whether audiences will embrace the new Snow Whiteor reject it remains uncertain. Some industry experts warn that the controversy could impact box office performance, following a string of Disney films that have struggled financially in recent years.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Jaja’s career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including Business Times and Brigada. As a news editor, she covered a wide range of beats, including business, economy, cryptocurrency, and personal finance. Additionally, she has successfully managed teams of writers producing content on gaming, technology, and entertainment.
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