Disney’s upcoming premiere of Snow White is drawing attention not just for its star-studded cast, but also for the unusual, toned-down approach the studio is taking for its red carpet event.
While Disney premieres are usually a spectacle filled with photographers, reporters, and glamorous interviews with cast members, this one will be markedly different. The pre-party and screening at the El Capitan Theatre on March 15 will still feature key players such as Rachel Zegler (who stars as Snow White) and Gal Gadot (the Evil Queen), but the usual media frenzy will be absent. Instead, only a select group of photographers and Disney’s in-house crew will be allowed to capture the event.
This quiet approach has raised eyebrows, especially as the film faces mounting controversies, making this premiere one of the most anticipated—albeit for all the wrong reasons.
Controversy Surrounding Casting and Film Direction
The first whispers of controversy surrounding Snow White began even before cameras started rolling. The casting of Rachel Zegler, a Latina actress, in the role of Snow White was met with strong reactions from certain factions of Disney fans. Critics were quick to point out that Zegler did not fit the traditional image of Snow White, a character that has been white with pale skin since the animated film’s release in 1937. These criticisms led to what some describe as a toxic backlash, a response to the perceived deviation from Disney’s original vision for the character.
However, the situation escalated when Zegler herself made waves with her comments about the original Snow White film. In a 2022 interview at the D23 Expo, Zegler referred to the 1937 movie as “dated” and criticized the way the prince “literally stalks Snow White.” She went on to explain that her version of Snow White would not be a damsel waiting to be saved but would instead be a character striving for leadership, driven by ambition rather than the pursuit of “true love.”
Dwarfism Controversy and Disney’s Response
The backlash took another turn when actor Peter Dinklage, known for his role in Game of Thrones, expressed his concerns about the portrayal of little people in the film. Dinklage was particularly critical of Disney’s decision to retain the classic portrayal of the Seven Dwarfs, a concept he felt perpetuated negative stereotypes. Speaking on the WTF With Marc Maron podcast in early 2024, Dinklage stated that while the film’s casting of a Latina Snow White was a positive step, sticking with the outdated depiction of dwarfs was problematic.
In response, Disney issued a statement promising that they would be taking a different approach to the dwarfs in the film, making sure to avoid reinforcing stereotypes. The company also revealed that they had consulted with members of the dwarfism community in the development process.
Zegler, however, defended the changes, emphasizing that the backlash stemmed from the public’s deep connection to the original film. In an interview with Vogue Mexico, she reflected on the passion fans have for the classic Snow White and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be part of a project that has sparked such strong feelings.
Political Divide Between Zegler and Gadot
Adding fuel to the fire, the film’s lead actresses, Zegler and Gadot, have become symbols of a wider political divide. Zegler has been an outspoken advocate for Palestinian rights, frequently voicing her support for the “Free Palestine” movement. Gadot, on the other hand, has publicly supported Israel, particularly after the tragic Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. This clash of political stances has ignited heated debates, with fans from both sides of the political spectrum weighing in.
Gadot’s comments, including a speech at the Anti-Defamation League’s summit in March 2024, have drawn criticism from pro-Palestine groups. Similarly, Zegler’s activism has drawn ire from those who oppose her views. This growing political rift has become impossible to ignore, and its impact on the film’s reception is still unfolding.
Disney Cancels UK Premiere Amid Anti-Woke Backlash
In yet another surprising move, Disney has decided to cancel the Snow White premiere in the UK, opting not to hold the extravagant event that typically accompanies a major film release. The lavish Leicester Square premiere, which would usually be filled with flashing lights and media outlets, has been scrapped in favor of a much smaller press schedule, reportedly due to concerns over an “anti-woke” backlash.
An insider revealed that Disney is preemptively scaling back their promotional activities to avoid the type of backlash that the film has received in recent months. “Disney is already anticipating an anti-woke backlash against Snow White and has reduced the media schedule to just a handful of tightly controlled press events,” the source told The Mail. This move highlights Disney’s desire to manage the narrative surrounding the film and avoid the kind of public criticism that has been mounting since the release of the first trailer.
Trailer Dislikes and Criticism of CGI
In addition to the casting and political controversies, Snow White has faced further criticism over the film’s use of CGI. When the first trailer for the movie dropped in December 2024, it quickly amassed over a million dislikes on YouTube. Many viewers expressed disappointment over the heavy reliance on computer-generated imagery, which they felt detracted from the authentic magic that defined Disney’s original animated film.
David Hand, whose father worked on the 1937 Snow White, was among the critics, expressing disapproval of the new film’s direction. He stated that his father, along with the original animators, would be “turning in their graves” at the current version of the film, which he described as lacking the “good taste” of the original. This criticism underscores the tension between modern adaptations of Disney classics and the loyal fans who hold the original films in high regard.
Disney’s Plan to Weather the Storm
Despite the controversies and mixed reactions, Disney is continuing to promote Snow White through various channels. Zegler and Gadot made a joint appearance at the 2024 Academy Awards, likely a strategic move to keep the film in the public eye. Zegler has also embarked on an international promotional tour, with upcoming stops in Tokyo, Spain, and New York City.
Despite the criticism, the film’s trailer has garnered significant attention, with over 11.8 million views on YouTube, indicating that there is still a substantial interest in the film. Disney remains hopeful that Snow White will find an audience, even as the public discourse continues to evolve.
The Road Ahead: Will Snow White Find Success?
As the March 21 release date draws near, it remains to be seen whether Snow White will succeed despite—or perhaps because of—the controversies that have followed its production. Disney’s strategy to limit press coverage and scale back media events may be an attempt to avoid further backlash, but it also highlights the degree to which the film has become a lightning rod for cultural debates.
What was once a simple live-action remake of a beloved classic is now a film that stands at the intersection of political, cultural, and social divides. Whether Snow White will find success at the box office or fall victim to the public’s divided opinions is anyone’s guess, but one thing is certain: this premiere will be remembered for the controversies it generated just as much as for the film itself.
