Controversy Brews as Disney’s “Snow White” Faces Backlash Ahead of Premiere
As the live-action adaptation of Disney’s beloved “Snow White” gears up for its premiere, the film finds itself embroiled in a whirlwind of controversy that has left even its stars scratching their heads. Martin Klebba, the actor voicing Grumpy, recently weighed in, suggesting that Disney is tiptoeing around potential backlash, which may have influenced the decision to scale back the premiere event at the iconic El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles. “It’s going to be a pre-party, watch the movie, and that’s it,” he noted, implying that the studio is wary of the social media storm brewing around the film.
The roots of this controversy can be traced back to the casting of Rachel Zegler, who has become a lightning rod for online criticism since her announcement as the titular princess. Being of Colombian and Polish descent, Zegler faced a barrage of racism, a reflection of the broader issues of representation in Hollywood. In a provocative move, she described the original 1937 animated film as “dated,” even going as far as to say that Prince Charming “literally stalks” Snow White. These remarks have not only sparked discussions about the problematic elements of classic fairytales but have also drawn the ire of nostalgic fans.
Adding another layer of complexity, rumors have swirled about a rift between Zegler and her co-star Gal Gadot, fueled by their differing political views. While Gadot has publicly supported Israel, Zegler has voiced her solidarity with Palestine, showcasing how the personal can swiftly become political in Hollywood.
Moreover, the film has attracted criticism from actor Peter Dinklage, who argued that Disney’s portrayal of dwarfs in the story is outdated and hypocritical, calling into question the studio’s decision to use CGI instead of real actors. Klebba, however, defended the use of dwarfs in storytelling, positing that their presence in the narrative is important and shouldn’t be erased.
As the premiere date approaches, it appears that “Snow White” will not only be a tale of magic and adventure but also a poignant commentary on societal values, representation, and the evolving landscape of storytelling in modern cinema. Viewers and critics alike are waiting with bated breath to see how this fairy tale unfolds—both on-screen and off.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine, The Hollywood Reporter, The Guardian
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