The much-anticipated live-action remake of Disney's classic "Blanche-Neige" (Snow White) is set to hit theaters on March 19, 2025, but not without facing significant controversy. The film, directed by Marc Webb and boasting a hefty production budget of $269.4 million, has opted for minimal promotional activity—a stark departure from traditional Hollywood premieres—due to the backlash surrounding its casting choices and updated storyline.
The world premiere is scheduled for March 15, 2025, at the El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles. This event will be closed to most media, with only selected photographers and Disney's internal team allowed to cover the red carpet, reflecting the company’s strategy to limit exposure amid the mounting pressures of public scrutiny.
At the center of the storm is the film’s lead actress Rachel Zegler, who has been both lauded and criticized for her portrayal of the titular character. Zegler, of Colombian origin, has led to uproar among some conservative fans who expected the character to embody the “white as snow” essence of the traditional animated figure. These sentiments were amplified after Zegler described the original 1937 adaptation of "Blanche-Neige" as "outdated," arguing during her interview with Variety, "We are no longer in 1937..." Adding fuel to the fire, she expressed how the character does not simply wait to be saved by her prince but aspires to become a leader herself.
The controversy surrounding Zegler was echoed by Peter Dinklage, known for his role on the series "Game of Thrones," who raised alarm over the stereotypical depiction of dwarves. He criticized Disney’s initial plans to include these portrayals, stating, "Without wanting to offend anyone, I was a bit surprised when they announced they’d cast a Latino actress as Snow White..." He went on to lament the retrograde aspects of the story, asking rhetorically, "What are you doing?" Disney responded by transforming the seven dwarves' characters from flesh-and-blood portrayals to digital animated representations, sparking mixed reactions from the dwarf community who felt this robbed them of legitimate acting opportunities.
Zegler's public comments have not only stirred debate about representation but have also intersected with political discussions. Following the controversial victory of Donald Trump, Zegler made headlines for her ire directed at him, publicly stating, "Go f*** yourself, Trump!" Although she later apologized, tensions soared as Zegler has been vocal about her support for Palestinian rights, contrasting sharply with her co-star Gal Gadot’s staunch defense of Israel and active voice against antisemitism at the Anti-Defamation League. This ideological divide between the actresses has resulted in speculation about the overall atmosphere during the film’s production.
Disney's choice to limit promotional events, once meant to gather excitement for the film, reflects the company’s effort to navigate through uncharted waters fraught with backlash. Instead of expansive events planned for London and Los Angeles, Disney has resorted to curated appearances for Zegler and Webb, planning only minimal engagements, including presentations at Spanish film festivals and special screenings at Broadway. Although the promotional strategies have been restrained, public interest remains high; the official trailer on YouTube has amassed over 11.8 million views.
The impending release of "Blanche-Neige" signifies more than just another remake for Disney; it encapsulates the challenges faced by contemporary interpretations of classic tales. Critics have claimed the studio is losing sight of its roots through the lens of modern social consciousness. David Hand Jr., the son of the animated film’s director, has been vocally discontented with Disney's adaptations, asserting, "I’m against it... Don’t destroy a classic or piece of art. Invent new characters if you must!" His comments underline the generational divide and the conflicting narratives between tradition and progressive reform.
With the premiere just around the corner, the pressure is on for "Blanche-Neige" to perform exceptionally at the box office. Disney has acknowledged the financial risk involved, knowing it needs to exceed the $500 million mark to make the project profitable. It has become apparent as discussions of the film continue to proliferate online, whether the controversial changes will resonate positively with audiences or hinder its success. One thing remains clear: the updated tale of beauty and courage is set against a backdrop of dialogue on representation, cultural sensitivity, and economic viability.