Disney scales back ‘Snow White’ premiere amid ongoing controversy

Disney has opted to limit the premiere of its live-action Snow White remake as controversy surrounding the film, starring Rachel Zegler, continues to grow.

According to Variety, while Disney will hold a Hollywood premiere on March 15, it will not include a red-carpet event in traditional fashion. The festivities will feature a pre-party and screening, but media access will be restricted to photographers and an in-house crew, rather than the usual lineup of press outlets invited to interview cast and crew members.

The film has faced criticism since its early production stages, beginning with backlash over Disney’s casting of Zegler as Snow White, a character traditionally depicted as white. The controversy intensified when Zegler began to criticize the original 1937 film, calling it “dated” and claiming the prince in the story “literally stalks Snow White.”

“She’s not going to be saved by the prince. She’s not going to be dreaming about true love. She’s dreaming about becoming the leader she knows she can be,” Zegler told Variety in 2022. Her comments left fans of the story skeptical about the remake’s faithfulness to the classic tale.

The portrayal of the seven dwarfs also became a point of contention after actor Peter Dinklage accused Disney of perpetuating stereotypes. The diminutive actor didn't like that the dwarves would be played by actors also of his stature. Dinklage had already been cast in the film.

“Literally no offense to anything, but I was sort of taken aback,” Dinklage said on Mark Maron’s podcast in 2024. “They were very proud to cast a Latino actress as Snow White, but you’re still telling the story of ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.’ Take a step back and look at what you’re doing there.” 

“You’re progressive in one way, but then you’re still making that f*cking backward story about seven dwarfs living in a cave together. What the f*ck are you doing, man? Have I done nothing to advance the cause from my soapbox? I guess I’m not loud enough,” he added.

Following his remarks, Disney stated that in order to “avoid reinforcing stereotypes” it would be “taking a different approach with these seven characters and have been consulting with members of the dwarfism community.” Dinklage remained in the film but the rest of the "dwarves" were people of varying heights, races, and some women were cast as well. After backlash over that, Disney reversed course again.

Additionally, the film has drawn attention amid global political tensions. Zegler has voiced support for the "Free Palestine" movement on social media, while Gal Gadot, who portrays the Evil Queen, is an Jewish actress known for her vocal support of Israel. Hollywood has seen increasing pressure from pro-Palestinian activists, including protests at the Captain America: Brave New World premiere in February who called for a boycott of the film for having an Israeli superhero.

Addressing the controversy in a February interview with Vogue Mexico, Zegler acknowledged the strong reactions to the film due to “passion” for the original story.

“I interpret people’s feelings about this film as passion for it, and what an honor to be able to be a part of something that people are so passionate about,” she said. “We’re not always going to have the same feelings as everyone around us and all we can do is give our best.”