Movies

Why Disney’s Snow White Remake Is Creating Controversy

BBG News

Since its debut in 1937, Snow White has remained one of Disney’s most beloved films. However, the upcoming live-action version, featuring Rachel Zegler as Snow White and Gal Gadot portraying the Wicked Queen, has stirred up a good deal of controversy before its theater premiere in late March.

The upcoming remake of Snow White is generating a lot of controversy, leading Disney to limit attendance at the March 15 premiere to just photographers and crew members. This decision reduces the number of journalists present who might ask questions. The production has been plagued with several challenges, including backlash over comments made by the film’s actors and disagreements about how the dwarfs are portrayed in the movie.

Here’s a look at controversies facing Snow White in the walk-up to its release.

The casting of Snow White

The proposal for Zegler, an actress with Colombian heritage, to portray the Disney princess sparked a backlash due to racial prejudice. In a YouTube video posted six months ago, which has amassed over 700,000 views, conservative commentator Ben Shapiro expressed his disapproval by stating, “But isn’t the movie called Snow White, after all?!

The criticism towards Zegler grew stronger following a few fans’ doubts about her enthusiasm for the part, as they noticed her criticizing certain sexist aspects in the original Snow White tale when she spoke out about them.

2022 saw Zegler expressing her views to Extra TV regarding the original Snow White, stating that the film places significant emphasis on a romantic storyline involving a man who stalks her, finding it unusual and strange. In various other interviews, she’s discussed the outdated portrayal of women in powerful roles within the film. Instead of playing Snow White as someone fixated on finding her Happily Ever After, Zegler approached the character as one who aspires to become a leader, envisioning herself in a role of power and influence.

On TikTok, a video clip gained widespread popularity. According to NBC News, it sparked discussions among users who suggested that not every female character needs to embody the “girl boss” stereotype.

Zegler has remained firm in her statements. “It’s such a privilege to be involved in something that stirs such intense emotions,” Zegler shared with Vogue Mexico for a 2025 feature. “We may not always share the same sentiments as those around us, but all we can do is offer our best.

Making a Snow White movie to begin with

Criticism isn’t limited to the casting choices for the 2025 Snow White movie; the concept itself has been questioned by some. They argue that a fairy tale with seven dwarfs may be seen as politically incorrect, much like the portrayal of certain characters in “Game of Thrones” starring Peter Dinklage.

In a conversation on Marc Maron’s “WTF” podcast in 2022, Dinklage expressed surprise and said, “I was somewhat surprised,” followed by his criticism of the traditional Snow White fairy tale. He described it as an “odd story about seven dwarfs living together in a cave,” and questioned if he hasn’t made enough impact on societal progress, stating, “It seems I haven’t been vocal or influential enough from my platform.

Following Dinklage’s remarks, Disney has chosen to adopt a distinct strategy in portraying the Seven Dwarfs characters, seeking advice from individuals within the dwarfism community throughout the production process of the movie.

In the movie, Snow White is surrounded by seven digitally created small characters, a disappointment to many little people who have longed for these parts, as stated by Dylan Postl, an actor who himself is a little person. In an interview with Piers Morgan in 2023, he expressed, “I can’t compete for the roles of Harrison Ford or George Clooney because they aren’t meant for me. These dwarf roles are suitable for individuals like myself…consider the additional stunt performers or stand-ins, now you’re talking about numerous actors of my stature who are overlooked for these main parts.

The Israel-Hamas war

In the film and apparently off-screen as well, Snow White and the Wicked Queen hold opposing views politically.

During the same time period when the Israel-Hams conflict erupted on October 7, 2023, the movie found itself right in the middle of societal conflicts, known as culture wars.

Gal Gadot, formerly serving in the Israeli military, has openly supported Israel and called upon global leaders to take stronger actions against Hamas for holding hostages. During a key speech at an Anti-Defamation League conference on March 4, 2025, she criticized individuals who do not condemn Hamas but instead celebrate, justify, or cheer on the slaughter of Jews.

Zegler, who identifies as pro-Palestine, has openly expressed her opinions. Following the release of the Snow White trailer in August 2024, she thanked her fans on platform X, and included in her post: “Never forget, liberate Palestine.

On March 2, 2025, during the Academy Awards ceremony, those two renowned stars made a joint appearance on stage and presented the award for best visual effects. There’s anticipation that they will both attend Disney’s film premiere this coming Friday. It seems that everyone will be watching closely to see any interactions between them then.

Snow White releases in theaters on March 21.

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2025-03-14 00:07

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