Disney Scales Back ‘Snow White’ Premiere Amid Controversies

LOS ANGELES, California — Disney is altering its traditional Hollywood premiere approach for the upcoming live-action remake of ‘Snow White,’ opting for a limited red carpet event on March 15 at the El Capitan Theatre. This decision caps off a string of controversies surrounding the film, which is set to hit theaters on March 21.

Unlike previous premieres that often showcase a lavish red carpet and dozens of media outlets for press interviews, the ‘Snow White’ event will only allow coverage from select photographers and an in-house crew. Multiple media reports indicate that the studio has made this change to minimize scrutiny amidst ongoing debates tied to the film’s casting and the political views of its stars. Disney did not provide comments regarding the decision.

Rachel Zegler, who stars as Snow White, has faced fierce backlash for her casting as a Latina actress, especially since the original Brothers Grimm fairy tale describes Snow White as having “skin as white as snow.” Zegler previously voiced her pride in representing her heritage, stating, “I get to be a Latina princess.” Her comments regarding the 1937 animated film being “dated” and the prince’s behavior being stalker-like have further fueled criticism, particularly from conservative circles.

Peter Dinklage, known for his role in ‘Game of Thrones’ and also a member of the dwarfism community, criticized Disney for perpetuating negative stereotypes through its portrayal of the Seven Dwarfs. “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,’” he said, calling for introspection from the studio. Following his remarks, Disney announced it would consult members of the dwarfism community to avoid reinforcing stereotypes.

The film’s production faced additional scrutiny as it navigates sensitive political issues. Zegler has publicly declared her support for Palestine, while her co-star, Gal Gadot, has openly supported Israel, especially in light of the recent Hamas attacks. This divide has ignited heated discussions across social media, with some groups calling for boycotts of the film.

Despite this backdrop, promotional events for ‘Snow White’ have included joint appearances by Zegler and Gadot at the Oscars, as well as planned promotional tours in international cities. The official trailer for the film has garnered over 11.8 million views on YouTube since its release three months ago, suggesting that there remains a significant interest in the film’s debut.

As the premiere date approaches, all eyes will be on how audiences respond to both the film and the surrounding controversies.