Disney’s live-action adaptation of ‘Snow White’ will premiere this coming Friday, March 15. In an unusual movement, Disney decided to scale back its usual over-the-top premiere in Los Angeles.
Starring Rachel Zegler and directed by Marc Webb, ‘Snow White’ has generated considerable buzz since it was announced. The project has quickly become embroiled in controversy, sparking debates over casting choices, cultural representation, the portrayal of classic fairy tale elements, and the current climate of political correctness.
The Casting of Rachel Zegler as Snow White
One of the most talked-about controversies centers on the casting of Rachel Zegler, a Latina actress, in the iconic role of Snow White. While Disney has made significant strides in recent years to diversify its casting, Snow White fans have expressed frustration over the decision to cast a non-European actress in the role of the traditionally fair-skinned princess.
Some critics argue that the casting choice deviates too far from the character’s original depiction in the 1937 animated film, where Snow White is famously portrayed as pale-skinned with black hair and red lips, a reflection of the Western beauty ideals of the time. Critics also note that the new ‘Snow White’ film, unlike the original, is set to incorporate themes of diversity and cultural sensitivity, which some feel is unnecessary for a story rooted in European folklore.
Supporters of the casting choice, however, argue that it reflects the changing nature of fairy tales and emphasizes the need for modern adaptations to reflect a diverse, global audience. They suggest that Snow White’s race should not be tied to her character’s integrity or the essence of the story itself, which is about kindness, resilience, and inner beauty.
The Removal of the Seven Dwarfs
Another major point of controversy has been Disney’s decision to reimagine the seven dwarfs in a way that departs from their traditional portrayal in the 1937 film. In the original ‘Snow White’, the dwarfs are depicted as small, quirky, and endearing characters who each have their own distinct personality. However, the new ‘Snow White’ movie has stirred controversy by announcing that the dwarfs will not be played by little people, but instead will be reimagined using a more diverse group of actors.
While some viewers believe this decision aims to make the film more inclusive, others have raised concerns about how the new portrayal could erase or undermine the historical representation of little people in cinema. In response to these concerns, Disney has faced backlash from advocacy groups for little people, arguing that the decision undermines the opportunities for actors who are actually part of that community.
In addition, some fans have criticized the choice as a “political correctness” move that neglects the core aspect of the original story. By straying from tradition in such a significant way, Disney is accused of prioritizing modern sensibilities over the integrity of the source material.
The New Feminist Narrative
Another point of contention in Disney’s reimagining of ‘Snow White’ is its updated feminist narrative. In the new version of the story, Snow White is reportedly portrayed as more independent and proactive, taking on a more empowered role in her own rescue rather than waiting to be saved by Prince Charming. This change is part of Disney’s broader trend toward giving its female characters more agency and complexity.
While many applaud the film’s attempt to modernize ‘Snow White’ and empower young viewers, some fans argue that this revision fundamentally changes the character’s core. Critics contend that the original story’s themes of innocence and helplessness have been replaced by a more contemporary agenda, sacrificing the fairy tale’s simplicity for a message of empowerment. Some argue that the spirit of fairy tales lies in their escapism, and a modern political agenda can detract from the magic of the story.
While Disney has long been praised for making progress on diversity and inclusion in its films, these changes have raised questions about whether the company is going too far in attempting to cater to the current social climate. Some viewers argue that the constant push for diverse, progressive representations in mainstream films may result in the distortion of classic characters and narratives, which some people feel should remain as they were originally intended.
On the other hand, advocates for these changes argue that it’s about time Disney adapts its films to the realities of a multicultural and more gender-conscious society. They assert that reimagining classic stories with diverse casts and new perspectives can offer children a broader understanding of the world.
The truth is that in polarized world that we are currently living in today, any path chosen by the film producers would displease one or the other.
Therefore, the success or failure of the film may depend on how audiences receive these changes, and whether they are ready to embrace a new version of ‘Snow White’—or if they prefer to keep the classic tale as it has been for generations.