Disney has opted for a scaled-down Hollywood premiere for its live-action Snow White remake following a series of controversies that have overshadowed the film’s promotional campaign.
The studio has restricted media access, allowing only photographers and an in-house production crew at the event. Journalists will not have the opportunity to interview the film’s cast and creators on the red carpet, a stark contrast to previous Disney marketing strategies.
The film, set to premiere in Los Angeles on Saturday, has faced multiple challenges, including publicized disagreements between lead actresses Gal Gadot and Rachel Zegler regarding the ongoing war in Gaza. Gadot, who portrays the Evil Queen, has been vocal in her support of Israel, having previously served in the Israel Defense Forces. Meanwhile, Zegler, who plays Snow White, has expressed her pro-Palestinian stance on social media, a position she has maintained since 2021.
Additional controversies have surrounded the film’s casting choices, changes to the depiction of the seven dwarfs, and Zegler’s remarks about the movie’s feminist reinterpretation of the classic tale. The actress previously described the original Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs as “extremely dated” and criticized the prince’s actions as reminiscent of a “stalker.”
The $269 million production, directed by Marc Webb, will be celebrated with a pre-party and screening at the El Capitan Theatre, with both Zegler and Gadot expected to attend. However, the film’s promotional approach stands in stark contrast to past live-action adaptations, such as The Little Mermaid (2023), which featured an extensive media campaign.
Zegler’s interpretation of the character has also drawn criticism, particularly her assertion that the name Snow White is derived from the princess’s resilience rather than her fair complexion, a departure from both the Brothers Grimm fairy tale and Disney’s 1937 animated classic. When faced with backlash, the actress defended her casting on social media, stating that she would not be “bleaching” her skin for the role.
Further debates have arisen over Disney’s decision to use CGI in place of actors with dwarfism for the seven dwarfs. Peter Dinklage, known for his role in Game of Thrones, criticized the remake for perpetuating outdated stereotypes, while David Hand, son of the original film’s director, called the changes “insulting” and accused Disney of undermining the classic film’s legacy.
The film, which has faced a tumultuous reception even before its release, is scheduled to hit theaters on March 21. Whether Disney’s more subdued approach to promotion will impact box office performance remains to be seen.
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