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Credit: DisneyDisney’s upcoming Hollywood premiere of Snow White, set for March 15, is raising eyebrows for all the wrong reasons. While red carpet events are usually a grand affair—brimming with flashing lights, media outlets, and enthusiastic fans—the studio is opting for a scaled-back approach this time.
The premiere will take place at the El Capitan Theatre, with a pre-party and screening, but notably, there won’t be the usual massive red carpet filled with reporters eager to interview the cast and creatives.
Instead, coverage will be limited to photographers and a small in-house crew. This choice is raising suspicions and curiosity, especially considering the controversial developments surrounding the film.
Snow White Premiere – A Different Approach
Disney has made it clear that their upcoming premiere for Snow White will not follow the usual glitzy tradition. The studio, despite the high-profile release, is opting for a muted presence, signaling a shift in how it handles the publicity for this particular project. The pre-party will still feature key stars like Rachel Zegler, who portrays Snow White, and Gal Gadot, who takes on the role of the Evil Queen.
However, without the media frenzy that typically surrounds Disney’s premieres, many wonder whether the controversies surrounding the film have influenced this decision.
A Controversial Casting and Backlash
The first hint of controversy came even before the movie started filming. When West Side Story actress Rachel Zegler was cast as Snow White, her portrayal faced backlash, especially from toxic corners of Disney fandom.
The criticism was not just about her acting ability but because Zegler is a Latina actress playing the iconic role, which some fans saw as a departure from the traditional, pale-skinned Snow White of the 1937 animated film.
However, the situation escalated when Zegler made headlines with her comments about the original Snow White. During an interview at the D23 Expo in 2022, Zegler expressed her dissatisfaction with the traditional portrayal of the character.
She described the prince as someone who “literally stalks Snow White,” calling the 1937 film “dated.” Zegler went on to explain that her Snow White would be a character driven not by dreams of love, but by ambition.
Addressing the ‘Dwarfs’ Controversy
Further complicating matters, actor Peter Dinklage spoke out against the film’s portrayal of little people. In a conversation on the “WTF With Marc Maron” podcast in early 2024, Dinklage criticized the filmmakers for perpetuating harmful stereotypes by sticking with the idea of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” despite the film’s push for modern inclusivity.
Disney responded quickly, explaining that they would be making changes to the seven characters to avoid reinforcing negative stereotypes, noting their consultations with the dwarfism community.
Zegler, however, tried to temper the backlash, explaining that the negative reactions were rooted in the public’s passion for the original film. In an interview with Vogue Mexico, she stated that she felt honored to be part of a project that people cared so deeply about, even if not everyone would agree with the new direction the film was taking.
The Political Divide and the Protests
The political landscape surrounding the film has also played a role in the controversies. Zegler, a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights, has been an active voice in promoting the “Free Palestine” movement on social media.
On the other hand, Gadot, who is Israeli, has become more outspoken in her support for Israel, particularly after the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023.
Her comments, particularly a passionate speech at the Anti-Defamation League’s annual summit in March 2024, have caused a rift with some of the public, further polarizing the fanbase.
The divide between the actresses has not gone unnoticed. This clash of political views has added a layer of complexity to the film’s publicity, and the tension is evident both on social media and in public discourse.
Anti-Woke Backlash and the London Premiere Cancellation
In addition to the Hollywood premiere, Disney had planned a grand event in Leicester Square, London, to celebrate Snow White. However, in a surprising move, the studio canceled the London premiere entirely, opting instead for a much smaller, tightly controlled press event. Insiders have speculated that Disney is bracing for an “anti-woke” backlash, given the controversies that have plagued the film.
A source close to the studio shared with The Mail: “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 further explained that Disney wanted to avoid a repeat of the fierce public outcry that often accompanies such large-scale celebrations in the UK, especially considering how polarizing the film has become.
The Backlash Over CGI and Public Criticism
The public’s disdain for Snow White isn’t just limited to the casting choices or political divides. When the first trailer for the film dropped in December 2024, it quickly garnered significant criticism, accumulating over a million dislikes on YouTube. A major point of contention was the overuse of CGI, which many fans felt detracted from the magical and timeless nature of the original animated film.
David Hand, the son of one of the original animators who worked on Disney’s 1937 Snow White, voiced his disappointment as well. He stated that his father and the film’s creators would be “turning in their graves” at the thought of this new adaptation, which he believed lacked the elegance and taste of the original work.
The sentiment reflects a deeper sense of nostalgia and concern among Disney purists, who fear that the magic of the animated classic is being diluted for modern sensibilities.
Disney’s Efforts to Manage the Fallout
Despite the controversies, Disney has continued to promote the film through various media channels. Zegler and Gadot even made a joint appearance at the 2024 Academy Awards, showing that Disney is trying to maintain the film’s profile amidst the chaos.
Zegler’s promotional tour took her to Tokyo, with plans to visit Spain and New York City in the coming months. While the studio is limiting media access for these events, they are still trying to ensure that the film garners attention from international audiences.
The film’s trailer, which currently boasts over 11.8 million views on YouTube, shows that there is still a strong interest in the project, despite the controversies surrounding it.
Looking Ahead: A Divisive Release
As the film’s March 21 release date draws closer, it remains to be seen whether Snow White will triumph at the box office or fall victim to the backlash. Disney’s attempt to avoid controversy by limiting press coverage may be an effective short-term strategy, but it also speaks to the ongoing cultural and political divides that are reshaping how major Hollywood films are received.
In the end, Snow White seems poised to be more than just a movie—it is shaping up to be a cultural flashpoint, with discussions ranging from casting choices and political beliefs to the evolution of Disney’s approach to its classic stories. What was once a simple fairy tale is now at the center of one of Hollywood’s most heated debates.