Disney’s live-action Snow White is set to premiere on March 15 at the iconic El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, but in a surprising move, the studio is opting for a toned-down event. Unlike its usual star-studded red carpet affairs, Disney will limit media coverage to photographers and a house crew, skipping the traditional press interviews with the cast and creatives.
While Disney has not publicly commented on the decision, the scaled-back approach comes amid ongoing controversies surrounding the film, its casting, and its social and political implications.
A Casting Controversy from the Start
From the moment Rachel Zegler was announced as Snow White, the film faced backlash from certain corners of the Disney fan base. Some critics took issue with a Latina actress portraying the iconic fair-skinned princess. The West Side Story star also stirred debate when she criticized the 1937 animated classic, calling it “dated” and questioning the romance between Snow White and the prince, saying, “He literally stalks Snow White.”
Zegler defended the film’s modernized approach, stating at Disney’s D23 Expo, “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.”
The Dwarfism Debate
Another controversy erupted when Game of Thrones star Peter Dinklage criticized the film for perpetuating stereotypes about little people. “They were very proud to cast a Latina actress as Snow White, but you’re still telling the story of ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,’” Dinklage remarked on the WTF With Marc Maron podcast.
Following his comments, Disney responded, stating that they had consulted with members of the dwarfism community and would take a different approach to the portrayal of the seven characters. However, details on how the film has reimagined these roles remain sparse.
Politics in the Spotlight
Beyond the film itself, the political stances of its two leading stars have further fueled controversy. Zegler has been vocal in her support for Palestine on social media, while Gal Gadot, who portrays the Evil Queen, is a well-known advocate for Israel. Recently, Gadot delivered a passionate speech at the Anti-Defamation League’s annual summit, condemning the rise of antisemitism and referencing the October 7 Hamas attack.
Their opposing viewpoints have not gone unnoticed, adding yet another layer of debate to the film’s release.
A History of Backlash for Zegler
Zegler is no stranger to online criticism. In the past, she faced backlash from MAGA supporters after she posted, “May Trump supporters and Trump voters and Trump himself never know peace.” Though she later apologized, the remarks resurfaced in discussions surrounding Snow White.
Despite Controversy, the Marketing Machine Rolls On
While Disney may be pulling back on its traditional Hollywood premiere, the film’s promotional efforts remain strong. Zegler and Gadot recently presented together at the Academy Awards, and Zegler has embarked on an international press tour, making stops in Tokyo, Spain, and New York City.
Gadot also appeared on Good Morning America this week to promote the film, while Snow White‘s official trailer has racked up an impressive 11.8 million views on YouTube since its debut.
With its March 21 theatrical release fast approaching, Snow White is proving to be one of Disney’s most talked-about live-action adaptations—whether for better or worse.