Controversy Lingers Ahead of Snow White’s Theatrical Release

LOS ANGELES, CA — Disney‘s live-action adaptation of “Snow White,” starring Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, is set to debut in theaters on March 21, 2025. However, the film has generated significant controversy surrounding its casting choices and portrayal of characters, leading to a scaled-back premiere event earlier this month.

Directed by Marc Webb, who is known for films like “The Amazing Spider-Man” and “500 Days of Summer,” this adaptation of the classic fairy tale features Zegler, 23, as the titular princess and Gadot, 39, as the malevolent Evil Queen. While some early reviews have praised the film as one of the better live-action remakes, critics have also highlighted its shortcomings.

“It’s lighter and more frolicsome than other Disney remakes,” noted one reviewer, while others described it as visually unimpressive. Early projections suggest the film may earn between $45 million and $55 million during its opening weekend, potentially placing it below other recent adaptations like “Aladdin” and “The Little Mermaid.” The early Rotten Tomatoes score sits at a mere 47% based on 101 reviews.

A notable point of contention has arisen regarding Zegler’s casting as Snow White, a character whose traditional depiction emphasizes her fair complexion. Zegler, of Colombian and Polish descent, has faced backlash from certain groups who’ve questioned her suitability for the role. “This casting decision is not an issue of race, as the character’s backstory has been reimagined to reflect resilience in the face of a snowstorm at birth,” Zegler pointed out in previous interviews.

Additionally, the portrayal of the seven dwarfs has been met with criticism, particularly from actor Peter Dinklage, who decried the stereotypical depiction of little people. In the new film, traditional representations of dwarfs will be replaced with CGI versions, a move designed to avoid reinforcing outdated stereotypes. Despite this approach, Dinklage argued it remains problematic.

Beyond the casting and character portrayals, tensions between Zegler and Gadot have surfaced due to differing personal and political beliefs. Insider sources report that their substantial age difference and contrasting viewpoints have created an uneasy working relationship. Zegler has openly expressed support for Palestine, while Gadot, an Israeli, has a history of voicing strong support for Israel.

“Zegler has nothing in common with Gadot, which adds to the tension,” a source told PEOPLE. “Gal’s annoyed by the movie drama but enjoyed filming; they are not friends.” Representatives for both actresses have not commented on these claims.

As the scheduled release approaches, Disney continues to navigate the complexities of contemporary societal discussions through its storytelling. Whether or not the film will transcend its controversies and connect with audiences remains to be seen.