Disney is holding a Hollywood premiere for Snow White on March 15, but unlike its typical events, there won’t be an elaborate red carpet. The afternoon will feature a pre-party and a screening at the El Capitan Theatre, with main star Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot. However, Disney has decided not to invite the usual large number of media outlets to interview the cast and creatives during the red carpet.
Disney Scales Back ‘Snow White’ Hollywood Premiere Amid Controversies
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The upcoming Snow White film, directed by Marc Webb and set for release on March 21, 2025, has faced backlash from various groups.
The controversy stems from the casting of Rachel Zegler, a Latina actress, as Snow White, which sparked criticism from some Disney fans who questioned her suitability for the role. Zegler further fueled the debate when she referred to the 1937 animated classic as “dated” and criticized the portrayal of the prince as a stalker.
In a 2022 interview at D23, Zegler emphasized that her version of Snow White would not focus on traditional themes
She elaborated by stating that traditional themses of being “saved by the prince” or dreaming of true love are outdated. Instead, she portrays Snow White as an independent character with aspirations to become a leader, challenging the narrative of the original film.
Actor Peter Dinklage raised concerns about the portrayal of little people in the movie, particularly in relation to the classic tale of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
He criticized the casting choice for Snow White, questioning why Disney would celebrate a Latina lead while still perpetuating stereotypes related to the seven dwarf characters. In response, Disney announced they would consult with the dwarfism community to ensure a more sensitive portrayal.
Zegler has acknowledged the strong emotions surrounding the film.
She acknowledges the backlash as stemming from people’s deep affection for the original. She expressed gratitude for being part of a project that sparks such passion, while recognizing that disagreements are inevitable in a public role.
Zegler’s support for “Free Palestine” and Gadot’s outspoken pro-Israel stance has introduced political tensions into the film's promotion.
Gadot, who is Israeli, has faced criticism for her support of Israel, particularly after the October 7 Hamas attacks. These differing political views have added to the public debate surrounding the film’s cast and its reception.
The film's promotional campaign has seen both Zegler and Gadot participating in major appearances, such as presenting together at the Oscars.
Zegler also faced backlash from some MAGA supporters after making an Instagram post about Trump’s reelection, which she later apologized for. Despite the controversies, the official trailer for Snow White has been well-received, with 11.8 million views on YouTube in three months.
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