The live-action remake of Disney’s Snow White has been met with its fair share of controversies ever since it was announced a few years ago.
Starring Rachel Zegler as the titular role and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, Snow White is slated to hit theaters on March 21, 2025 — despite much of the backlash Disney, Zegler and more have received.
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Keep reading for everything to know about the controversies surrounding Snow White:
Character criticism
After Zegler, who is of Colombian and Polish descent, was cast as the lead in Snow White, the actress was met with racist backlash over the casting. The backlash later intensified after the West Side Story star criticized the original 1937 animated film, calling it “dated” and saying during 2022’s D23 Expo that Prince Charming “literally stalks” Snow White.
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She later addressed the negative reactions while speaking with Vogue Mexico in February 2025.
“I interpret people’s feelings about this film as their passion for her and what an honor to be a part of something that people are so passionate about,” Zegler said. “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 added: “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
After Disney announced the Snow White remake, Game of Thrones star Peter Dinklage — who lives with a form of dwarfism called achondroplasia — blasted the film while appearing on Marc Maron‘s “WTF” podcast in 2022.
“Literally no offense to anyone, but I was a little taken aback when 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,” he said. “Take a step back and look at what you’re doing there. It makes no sense to me.”
The Emmy winner continued: “You’re progressive in one way, but then you’re still making that f–king backward story about seven dwarfs living in a cave together? What the f–k are you doing, man? Have I done nothing to advance the cause from my soapbox? I guess I’m not loud enough.”
After Dinklage’s comments, Disney told The Hollywood Reporter in a statement that they were “taking a different approach with these seven characters and have been consulting with members of the dwarfism community” to “avoid reinforcing stereotypes from the original animated film.”
CGI dwarves
The film was also criticized for using CGI dwarfs instead of hiring actors with dwarfism, which performer and bodybuilder Choon Tan slammed while speaking to The Daily Mail, calling the decision “absolutely absurd and discriminating in a sense.”
He continued: “I think Disney is trying too hard to be politically correct, but in doing so it’s damaging our careers and opportunities. There really is nothing wrong casting someone with dwarfism as a dwarf in any given opportunity. As long as we are treated equally and with respect, we’re usually more than happy to take on any acting roles that are suitable for us. Plus, it’s also an opportunity for young children to see someone with dwarfism, which they may have never seen before.”
Scaled-back premieres
Amid the growing number of controversies, Disney appeared to scale back the film’s European and American premieres. At the film’s March 12, 2025, premiere at a castle in Northern Spain, most media outlets were not invited, and Zegler performed “Waiting on a Wish” to a small crowd, according to BBC.
Variety also reported that the Los Angeles premiere of Snow White, which will take place at the El Capitan Theatre on Saturday, March 15, will have limited red-carpet coverage with photographers and a house crew.
Related: ‘Snow White’ Star Rachel Zegler’s Bold Political Message Sparks Backlash
