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Despite backlash and over Disney’s new White remake, the studio has moved forward in casting the first actor to play one of the .
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In 2019, Disney announced plans for a of its first-ever feature-length animated film, White and the , which originally debuted in 1937. In 2021, further details were revealed about the film, and fans learned that Spider-Man director would be on tap to direct the film.
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Soon thereafter, Disney announced that (‘s , Shazam! Fury of the Gods) would embody the White. Broadway’s was cast as a male lead in the film, though according to Disney, Burnap’s role wouldn’t be as White‘s prince, as a new male role had been created for the remake.
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was cast as White‘s stepmother, the .
Then, in January 2022, actor (Game of Thrones) called out Disney for its “backward” approach to the new film, as Dinklage, an actor among the felt that remaking a film that highlighted the was in poor taste and could perseverate negative stereotypes about members in the .
“[Disney was] very proud to cast a as White,” Dinklage said on a podcast with . “But you’re still telling the story of White and the . Take a step back and look at what you’re doing there, you know? It makes no sense to me.”
His comments about Disney’s new film made entertainment news headlines everywhere, even prompting Disney to respond by saying the live-action film would not “reinforce stereotypes.”
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“We are taking a different approach with these seven characters (the from the original film) and have been consulting with members of the ,” a told CNET in an email. “We look forward to sharing more as the film heads into production after a lengthy development period.”
Then it was announced that Disney was considering replacing the with other “magical creatures,” though there were no details given about those creatures.
It’s unclear what Disney meant by “a different approach” to the in White and the , but apparently, the decision was not to scrap the casting of members of the , as Pirates of the Caribbean star Martin Klebba has just revealed that he has been cast in the upcoming film as the moodiest of the , Grumpy.
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In a video made at a Denver, Colorado, Fan Expo, Klebba shared the news of his new role. In the recording, Klebba also also revealed to fans that his part in the filming of the new remake is already complete–and that he believes White and the will be released at the box office in late 2023.
“Just got done filming ‘ White,’ which will be coming out late next year. And, of course, I play Grumpy,” Klebba said. “ is our witch, and will be our White. So, come on by and have a good time.”
Though Klebba is a member of the , a post at ScreenRant.com suggests that his role as Grumpy may not look the same as the one from the 1937 :
“It’s possible that Disney has changed Grumpy’s origins to be an entirely different character, and the new interpretation may include CGI or be entirely live-action. What’s more, Grumpy’s involvement in White doesn’t confirm that all are coming back. Even if Grumpy is returning, it’s possible that he is living solo, and meets Zegler’s titular character in a new way.”
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It remains to be seen what differences and what similarities Disney’s new live action version of White and the will have with the from 1937.
