Just a few days remain until Marc Webb’s live-action adaptation of Snow White premieres, and audiences continue to highlight the numerous controversies surrounding its cast and production.
This began in 2022 when the public criticized the casting of Rachel Zegler, who is of Colombian and Polish descent, as Snow White. She faced racist backlash over the role, which, unfortunately, persists today, with some audiences insisting that a “white” actress should portray the character to match her depiction in the books and the original animated film.
The hate then intensified and was wrongfully validated by social media users after her interview with Variety in 2023.
A Modern Take
Alongside Gal Gadot who is to play the Evil Queen, Zegler was asked, “You said you were bringing a modern edge to it, onstage, what do you mean by that?” The actress responded, “I just mean that it’s no longer 1937 and we absolutely wrote a Snow White that is- (not gonna be saved by the prince!) yeah, she’s not gonna be saved by the prince, and she’s not gonna be dreaming about true love. She’s dreaming about becoming the leader she knows she can be.”
Social media users found her comments on the original film being “dated” unpleasant and shared how the film has set an impact on them as a childhood classic. Zegler later addressed these reactions as she spoke with Vogue Mexico earlier this February, voicing, “We are not always going to have the same feelings as everyone around us and all that we can do is do our best.” She also clarified, “It’s very important for the public to know that Disney has found this beautiful and delicate balance between the 1937 animated classic that everyone knows and loves, and at the same time, introduces it to this new generation.”
Dwarfism Hypocrisy & CGI Dwarves
Following this event of having modern takes, Peter Dinklage, famously known for his role in the Game of Thrones series, spoke out on the dwarfism hypocrisy in Marc Maron’s “WTF” podcast back in 2022. The Emmy winner raised, “Take a step back and look at what you’re doing there. It makes no sense to me,” continuing, “You’re progressive in one way, but then you’re still making that f–cuking backward story about seven dwarves living in a cave together?”
This particular criticism heightened in light of the production using “CGI Dwarfs” instead of hiring actual actors with dwarfism. “Little People, Big World” stars Zach Roloff and his wife Tori who both live with the condition spoke out on the matter as well on X (formerly Twitter). They wrote, “So they aren’t just taking away the dwarves and making Snow White. They are cgi-ing the dwarves. This isn’t 1937-there are actually a lot of people with dwarfism walking around” concluding, “Either focus on Snow White or own the dwarf representation.”
Political Differences
The most recent issue now is the alleged tension between main leads and co-stars, Zegler and Gadot. As per Hindustan Times, “the two are not quite on good terms with each other, even though they are on a press tour to promote their upcoming movie together.” In a report to People, it is apparent that Zegler has no common ground with Gadot especially in their political differences where Zegler has been vocally supportive on her stance with Palestine, while Gadot Israel, with the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
That said, another source from the same publication brought to light that Gadot is “annoyed” by the drama, contrasting to what the public has to say in her remark, stating that she actually enjoyed film making. As per the source, “She was fine with Rachel but they are not friends. They have nothing in common… They did a job together and that’s it.” While neither of the two co-stars publicly spoke about how production actually went in terms of the rumoured feud, Zegler and Gadot recently presented at the Academy Awards together, but were noticeably avoiding gazes and presences onstage which seemed telling for many viewers.
Reviews
Drama aside, it seems that the screenplay is not so bad after all. Snow White (2025) has received some positive feedback from critics online, namely, editor Paul Klein of Filmhounds and X critique account, Christopher Rates It. Christopher remarked, “Snow White’ is not only one of their best live-action remakes in years, but it’s also a film that recaptures the magic of the 1937 movie. Rachel Zegler IS Snow White, and she delivers such a magical performance.”
Klein also shared positive notes but pointed out an honest take in relation to one of the issues highly recognized in this film, stating, ‘Snow White’ is solid. I really enjoyed the musical numbers, particularly the opening one and the Queen’s evil bop. Zegler was great in the lead role, and Gadot was fun. It’s really the CGI dwarves that let the film down. The choice is baffling.”
The live action film comes out in theaters on March 19, 2025.
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