Disney’s most controversial live-action remake hasn’t been released yet, but fans demand that Snow White be canceled or recast.
Every time it seems like the Walt Disney Company can’t find itself in a new controversy, a new one emerges. For months now, Disney has been facing flack for its live-action remakes. Whether for their casting decisions (think Halle Bailey in The Little Mermaid or Yara Shahidi in Peter Pan and Wendy) or for changes in narratives and story elements, fans are unhappy with Disney. However, few movies and actors have faced as much criticism prior to release as Latina actress Rachel Zegler for Snow White.
Who Will Play Snow White?
Disney announced that it would make a live-action remake of the original Disney animated feature that put Walt Disney and his company on the map. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in 1937. When casting the movie, Disney picked Latina actress Rachel Zegler, known for her work on West Side Story and Shazam! Fury of the Gods.
While at first many were supportive of the actress, recently, her comments have been rubbing fans the wrong way, and fans have begun calling for Disney to cancel the movie entirely and have rejected Rachel Zegler as Snow White.
rachel zegler seems like the most annoying person ever sorry not sorry pic.twitter.com/5UDShstMav
— ne (@friendlytroubIe) August 9, 2023
What is the Controversy With the New’ Snow White’?
At present, the biggest issues with the movie have transcended fans being unhappy with a character named “Snow White” being played by a Latina actress. Zegler herself has made multiple comments that make it seem like she dislikes the character she’s playing.
In addition, Zegler’s comments about the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strike have also struck many as tasteless and self-centered, considering the stark and harsh reality other actors, writers, and creatives are facing. For example, actor Billy Porter explained he needs to sell his house. Many have also expressed they are struggling to put food on the table.
Given this reality, some Disney fans, like Jaz, have taken to social media to call on Disney to cancel the movie entirely.
https://www.tiktok.com/@jaz.reader/video/7265227877803773217?_r=1&_t=8eiKLVx3gMs
Read More: “Entitled” Disney Princess Demands Pay for Every Hour of ‘Snow White’ Streaming
Why Did Disney Change’ Snow White’?
Casting Rachel Zegler as Snow White isn’t the only change that Disney has made to the upcoming live-action remake. The seven dwarfs have also been replaced by seven magical creatures, which sparked its own controversy. Why these changes?
Soon after The Little Mermaid was released in theaters, President of Walt Disney Studios Sean Bailey spoke with the New York Times and explained that “We want to reflect the world as it exists,” speaking on behalf of Disney. Mr. Bailey has been the mastermind behind a lot of the inclusivity and diversity we’ve seen in Disney movies.
It stands to reason that this drive for inclusivity and diversity is the reason behind all the changes to Snow White. However, many of these changes have fallen flat with audiences who feel like Disney is becoming more “woke” and prioritizing wokeness over making quality cinema.
More on Snow White
Disney’s Snow White, set to release in 2024, is an upcoming live-action film based on the 1937 animated feature film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. It’s directed by Marc Webb and features a screenplay by Greta Gerwig and Erin Cressida Wilson. Walt Disney Pictures and Marc Platt Productions co-produce the film. Snow White stars Rachel Zegler in the lead role, with Gal Gadot playing the evil queen.
