Okay movie fans you know Disney's live-action Snow White is coming in 2025 right? But this isn't your grandma's Snow White and things have been… well let's just say bumpy. The movie is hitting theaters in March but it's already making headlines for a whole lot of reasons mostly not the good kind . Let's dive into the drama surrounding this fairy tale flick .
Controversy Central: Why Snow White 2025 is Facing Major Backlash Before It Even Arrives
This Snow White movie has stirred up a storm of controversy from pretty much every angle. Seriously it's like a perfect storm of internet debates. Here's the rundown:
- Rachel Zegler Casting: When Rachel Zegler a Latina actress got cast as Snow White some folks were not happy. Yep racist comments about a Latina Snow White surfaced online because the original character was described as "white as snow."
- "Dated" Original Comments: Zegler herself didn't help calm things down when she called the original 1937 movie "dated". She pointed out the prince "literally stalks Snow White" and that the movie focuses on love stories not female leadership. Some people felt she was dissing a classic.
- Dwarf Representation Debate: Peter Dinklage an actor with dwarfism called out Disney for "hypocrisy". He questioned casting a Latina Snow White but still using the "backwards story about seven dwarfs". Disney responded saying they were taking a "different approach" with the seven characters and consulting with dwarfism community members. The movie uses CGI little people instead of actors with dwarfism which upset some.
- Political Firestorm: Things got extra heated because of the actors' political views. Zegler has been vocal about being "pro-Palestine" while Gal Gadot who plays the Evil Queen is openly pro-Israel. With current world events this created even more online tension and calls for boycotts.
- MAGA Critics: And if that wasn't enough MAGA supporters piled on after old social media posts resurfaced where Zegler wasn't exactly thrilled about a certain former president.
Basically it's been a lot and it's all before anyone has even really seen the movie.
Scaled-Back Premiere: Disney Downsizes Red Carpet Amidst the Drama
Maybe because of all this noise Disney is changing plans for the Hollywood premiere on March 15th. Instead of the usual big red carpet event with tons of media outlets they are scaling things way back. It will be a smaller afternoon event at the El Capitan Theatre with a pre-party and screening but media access will be super limited. Photographers and a "house crew" only. No big interviews with Rachel Zegler Gal Gadot and the team like usual. Disney hasn't officially said why it is smaller but it's hard not to think the controversies played a part.
"Not Going to Be Saved by the Prince": Is This Snow White Really That "Woke"?
Zegler's comments about Snow White not being "saved by the prince" and wanting to be a leader fueled the "woke" accusations. Director Marc Webb says they wanted to "honor the DNA of Snow White" but also "re-tell the mythology to reflect the times we’re in." He says good stories "evolve" and become "reflections of the world we live in and what we want the world to be."
Zegler explained that this Snow White is about "becoming the leader she knows she can be" not just dreaming of "true love". She also pointed out that in this version Snow White's name comes from surviving a snowstorm as a baby not just having white skin. Disney says they are "taking a different approach" to the seven characters to "avoid reinforcing stereotypes" and consulted with the dwarfism community.
Cast Reactions: Rachel Zegler "Honored" by Passion Martin Klebba "Disappointed in the World"
Despite the negativity Rachel Zegler seems to be taking it in stride. She told Vogue Mexico she sees people's strong feelings as "passion" for Snow White and that it's an "honor" to be part of something people care so much about. She says "We're not always going to agree with everyone... all we can do is our best."
However Martin Klebba who voices Grumpy one of the CGI "dwarfs" is more critical about the scaled-back premiere. He told the New York Post he was "a little disappointed" not in Disney but "in the world". He feels it's sad that "a couple of people have views that not everybody feels the same way" and now they are "altering the fun part of making a movie which is premieres." He understands Disney being "careful" but is still "bummed" about missing out on the red carpet fun with his cast mates. Klebba also hopes Hollywood can be "more open minded with people with disabilities" in general.
Snow White 2025: Key Controversies in a Nutshell
- Casting of Rachel Zegler: Racist backlash over a Latina actress playing Snow White.
- "Woke" Storyline Concerns: Criticism over modernizing Snow White's goals beyond "true love".
- Dwarf Representation: Debate about using CGI little people vs. actors with dwarfism and stereotypes.
- Actor's Political Views: Controversy related to Rachel Zegler's pro-Palestine stance and Gal Gadot's pro-Israel views.
- Downgraded Premiere: Smaller premiere event suggests Disney is trying to minimize media attention and potential backlash.
Will "Snow White" Still Shine? Movie Arrives in Theaters Amidst All the Drama
So there you have it. Snow White 2025 is heading to theaters with a lot of baggage. Will the controversies hurt the movie? Will audiences embrace this new take on a classic fairy tale? Or will the "passion" and debates surrounding it actually draw more attention? We'll find out when Snow White arrives in cinemas on March 21st. One thing is for sure this is not going to be a quiet release.