Disney’s upcoming live-action remake of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs has been met with mixed reactions from the public. After the success of The Little Mermaid in 2023, Snow White is the next animated classic getting the live-action treatment, with production starting in earnest in 2021. Rachel Zegler, of Colombian and Polish descent, landed the role of Snow White, and has faced criticism from racist trolls and skeptics about her casting. Zegler defended the new take on the classic character, stating that it was time for a refreshing story about a young woman with a purpose beyond finding her prince.
The controversy surrounding the Snow White remake has been fueled by comments from actor Peter Dinklage, who has questioned the backwardness of the storytelling surrounding the dwarves in the film. Despite backlash and skepticism, the film is set to premiere on March 15, 2025, with lead actors Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot expected to attend, but without any press presence at the event. Zegler has expressed pride in portraying Snow White, recognizing the significance of a Latina actress taking on the iconic role and embracing the opportunity to bring new representation to the character.
Critics of the Snow White remake have also raised concerns about the portrayal of the dwarves in the film. Disney has responded to these concerns by stating that they are taking a different approach to the characters and consulting with the dwarfism community to avoid reinforcing stereotypes from the original animated film. Set photos from the production have stirred further controversy, with some actors appearing to lack dwarfism and complaints about the inclusion of Black actors and women in the group. Disney initially denied the authenticity of the leaked photos but later confirmed that they were indeed from the set but not officially released.
David Hand, whose father was one of the directors of the original animated Snow White film, has publicly criticized the remake, stating that he disagrees with the new concept and the radical approach Disney is taking to updating its classic films. Hand expressed disappointment in the lack of respect for the original stories and characters, suggesting that Walt Disney and his father would not have approved of the changes being made. Overall, the controversy surrounding the Snow White remake reflects the ongoing debates about representation, storytelling, and the handling of classic properties in modern cinema.
Despite the backlash and criticism, Rachel Zegler remains dedicated to her role as Snow White and has urged fans not to engage with the negative discourse surrounding her casting. The actress has emphasized the importance of diverse representation in iconic roles and hopes to inspire children to see themselves as princesses regardless of their backgrounds. With the premiere of the Snow White remake approaching, it remains to be seen how the film will navigate the challenges and controversies surrounding its production, casting, and portrayal of beloved characters from the original animated classic.
