Disney's highly anticipated live-action remake of Snow White is set to hit UK cinemas next week, continuing the studio's trend of revitalizing classic animated films. However, the movie has been mired in controversy since its inception, primarily due to its portrayal of the seven dwarfs and comments made by lead actress Rachel Zegler regarding the original 1937 film.
The debate surrounding the film's representation of the seven dwarfs began in January 2022, when actor Peter Dinklage, known for his role in Game of Thrones and living with dwarfism, criticized the decision to retell the story of the dwarfs living in a cave as regressive. In response, Disney announced they would employ computer-generated imagery (CGI) to portray the dwarfs, aiming to avoid reinforcing stereotypes from the original animated feature.
Despite this decision, performers with dwarfism have expressed disappointment over the lack of opportunity to play the iconic roles. Actor Choon Tan described the use of CGI as "absurd and discriminating," asserting that there is nothing wrong with casting actors with dwarfism in dwarf roles. He emphasized the need for equality and respect in casting decisions.
Another performer, Blake Johnston, echoed these sentiments, stating that there are plenty of dwarf actors eager for roles like the ones in Snow White. He criticized Disney for succumbing to political correctness, suggesting that this has resulted in fewer opportunities for top dwarf actors in the industry.
The European premiere of Snow White took place at a secluded castle in Northern Spain, a nod to the inspiration behind the castle in the original animated film. Zegler performed a rendition of the new song "Waiting On a Wish" to a limited audience, as most media outlets were not invited to cover the event. This scaled-back premiere reflects a broader trend, with the upcoming Los Angeles premiere also expected to be smaller than typical for a film of this scale.
Notably, news journalists have been excluded from the red carpet, limiting their ability to interview the film's cast and creative team. However, select interviews are scheduled as part of a press junket taking place this week.
The Snow White remake has faced multiple controversies, including concerns over the casting of Rachel Zegler, a Latina actress, in a role traditionally associated with a character described as having skin "white as snow." This casting decision aligns with Disney's initiative to create a more diverse representation of classic characters, similar to the casting of Halle Bailey in the live-action The Little Mermaid.
Both actresses have faced significant backlash online following their casting announcements. Zegler has also made headlines for her critical views on the original animated film, describing its focus on a love story involving a character who "literally stalks" Snow White as "weird." She emphasized that the current adaptation aims to update these outdated narratives surrounding female characters.
Rumors of a rift between Zegler and co-star Gal Gadot, who portrays the wicked stepmother, have circulated, primarily due to their differing stances on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Zegler has publicly expressed pro-Palestine views, while Gadot, an Israeli citizen and former soldier, has faced scrutiny for her stance. Despite these rumors, observers have noted that the two actresses have publicly appeared together on multiple occasions, dispelling notions of any significant discord.
The live-action Snow White is part of Disney's ongoing efforts to reimagine beloved animated classics. Following successful remakes such as Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, and The Lion King, the film aims to capture a modern audience while navigating the complexities of representation and storytelling in today's cultural landscape.
