Disney's live-action remake of its classic 1937 film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, is on the verge of its highly anticipated premiere this March, but the film is already mired in controversy and backlash. As one of the earliest animated films produced by Disney, Snow White holds a treasured place in cinematic history, being the first animated feature to win an Oscar, as well as the most successful animated film ever in terms of ticket sales. With a current gross of nearly $2.3 billion when adjusted for inflation, it’s no surprise the studio aimed to enchant new audiences with a live-action version. However, its journey toward release has been anything but smooth.
There’s little denying the tension surrounding the cinematic endeavor led by director Marc Webb, with a hefty budget potentially reaching $300 million. Within the industry, observers are already questioning the marketing approach Disney has adopted. Instead of the usual red carpet extravaganza typical for its leading films, promotional events have been scaled back, suggesting hesitation about the product itself. In fact, an anonymous source from the exhibition industry noted that Disney appeared to be struggling with an advance sales cycle that "screams, 'We have zero faith in this thing.'" This has fueled speculation that the studio is bracing for possible negative reception.
Part of the backlash has centered around the film's lead, Rachel Zegler, who embodies the title character, Snow White. Zegler, a half-Colombian and half-Polish actress, drew immediate criticism over her casting as the titular princess, with right-wing trolls arguing about her suitability based on her ethnic background. The controversy echoes sentiments surrounding other recent Disney remakes, such as The Little Mermaid, where casting decisions have ignited heated discussions about representation in Hollywood.
Despite the backlash, Zegler responded to the criticism with poise, stating, "Blanca Nieves is a huge icon whether you’re talking about the Disney cartoon or just different iterations and the Grimm fairy tale and all the stories that come with it." She has emphasized that the new interpretation of Snow White is not about waiting for Prince Charming; rather, her character aspires to lead in her own right, a statement she expanded upon by describing the prince as "a guy who literally stalks her."
This particular shift has sparked broader conversations regarding societal values. Columnist Douglas Murray criticized the production, dubbing it a "woke remake" in light of Zegler’s modern take on Snow White. He posits that Disney appears to be aware of the film's issues, considering its scaled-down launch and minimal press engagements for its stars. The communications toward the press have been characterized by limited releases and influencer marketing over traditional media, raising eyebrows about the studio’s confidence.
Furthermore, Peter Dinklage, known for his advocacy regarding portrayals of dwarfism in media, took aim at Disney for opting to portray the dwarfs of the original story through CGI rather than casting actors with dwarfism. Dinklage was quoted saying, "You’re progressive in one way, but then you’re still making that f---ing backward story about seven dwarfs living in a cave together. What the f--- are you doing, man?" His comments reflect ongoing disappointment among those in the dwarfism community about the film.
However, it’s vital to understand the context of this reboot through the lens of audience attachment to the original 1937 hit. The film brought forth generations who idolized the classic characters, and thus, any proposed changes are invariably met with mixed feelings. While some fans hope for a refreshing interpretation, others prefer the purity of the original tale, contributing to a deep-rooted emotional investment.
The backdrop of societal upheaval regarding representation complicates the narrative, making it challenging for studios like Disney to navigate their audience’s varied expectations. In addition to the casting choices, real-life controversies involving the lead actresses, particularly their opposing views on the ongoing war in Gaza, hint at the film’s precarious balance between cultural appropriateness and commercial viability.
As it stands, Disney's Snow White remains a significant focal point in broader discussions on cultural representation and adaptation fidelity. With its release imminent, the question remains whether audiences will warm to this modern interpretation or if it will falter under the weight of its legacy. The film must not only entertain but resonate with a contemporary desire for representation without losing the essence of what made the original beloved. With the clock ticking down to its March 20 premiere, all eyes will be on box office results to gauge the public's reception.
