Disney’s Snow White: A Cursed Fairytale of Controversy and Delays

LOS ANGELES, March 21, 2025 – Disney’s live-action adaptation of Snow White, starring Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, is set to premiere after nearly nine years of tumultuous development marked by casting controversies and public backlash. Originally announced in 2016, the project has faced significant delays and differing opinions from fans, and critics alike, igniting debates around modern representation and traditional narratives.

The film’s journey began with the casting of Zegler, an American actor of Colombian descent, as the iconic princess. Her casting angered some fans who felt that the portrayal of Snow White, who traditionally embodies “skin as white as snow,” contradicted the character’s original depiction.

“I never thought that I would be able to play this character, given the legacy that comes with it,” Zegler said in a recent interview. “For me, Snow White is not just a character but a symbol of resilience and kindness.”

However, the controversy deepened when public debates over Disney’s decision to include diverse representations in the film began to overshadow the story itself. Critics from both ends of the political spectrum have accused the film of veering into “woke” territory. Pro-Palestinian advocates have also criticized the presence of Gadot, an Israeli actor, leading to further outrage when she spoke publicly in support of Israel amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.

The film has also faced criticism regarding its handling of the seven dwarves, a central part of the original tale. Notably, actor Peter Dinklage condemned the approach, calling it “backwards,” in reference to the film’s use of CGI to create the dwarf characters. “You’re progressive in one way, but you’re still making that backward story of seven dwarves living in a cave. What the f*** are you doing, man?” Dinklage remarked.

Disney has responded to widespread criticism by emphasizing its commitment to consulting with members of the dwarfism community in developing the characters. Despite this, conversations regarding representation and job opportunities for dwarf actors remain contentious.

Adding to the film’s fraught narrative, Zegler drew further attention in late 2023 when she expressed concerns over Donald Trump’s electoral victory on social media, bolstering her profile as a controversial public figure. “I hope he and his supporters never know peace,” Zegler tweeted, later issuing an apology for her incendiary remarks.

As Disney braved through public discourse, the film underwent significant production delays, most notably due to industry-wide strikes that impacted both writers and actors. Now, as the film approaches its premiere, ticket sales are unusually limited, opening just two weeks prior—an approach compared to previous Disney releases, which typically span a month or more.

In contrast to the broader marketing efforts of recent hits like The Little Mermaid, Disney has opted for a more subdued premiere for Snow White, which has fueled speculation that the film is facing challenges even before its release. Anecdotal reports suggest that responses from early screenings are mixed with reviews ranging from “adequate” to “captivating.”

“Snow White explores themes of empowerment, showing the character dreaming of becoming a leader rather than merely waiting for a prince to rescue her,” director Marc Webb stated. However, the film retains elements of romance, with Andrew Burnap playing a reimagined love interest, providing the narrative with a contemporary twist.

As the premiere draws nearer, industry analysts project a domestic box office opening of approximately $40-50 million, a figure that would not match the initial success of previous Disney adaptations. Nevertheless, with minimal competition in theaters initially, there is potential for Snow White to find an audience among families, particularly mothers and daughters who remain the film’s target demographic.

With the release fast approaching, the long-anticipated Snow White enters its premiere weekend faced with both excitement and trepidation, as the film’s legacy remains uncertain in the evolving landscape of Hollywood narratives.