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The Snow White (2025) Controversy: A Full Breakdown of the Backlash – Casting Drama – CGI Dwarfs and More
Mar
The Snow White (2025) Controversy: A Full Breakdown of the Backlash, Casting Drama, CGI Dwarfs, and More
The debate may fade once the film premieres… or will it?
After years of production delays, online uproar, and ongoing controversy, Disney’s live-action Snow White is finally arriving on March 21, 2025.
Starring Rachel Zegler as Snow White and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, the film also features Andrew Burnap, Patrick Page, and several Broadway talents like Andrew Barth Feldman and Tituss Burgess as the voices of the dwarfs. Directed by Marc Webb (500 Days of Summer, The Amazing Spider-Man), this reimagining includes both new songs by Benj Pasek, Justin Paul, and Jack Feldman and four tracks from the 1937 classic.
While early reviews have been largely positive, many wonder whether the goodwill can overcome the film’s long trail of controversy. Here’s a comprehensive timeline of everything that’s sparked debate around Disney’s latest remake.
Contents
June 2021: Zegler’s Casting Sparks Racist Backlash
Rachel Zegler, known for her role in West Side Story, was announced as the new Snow White. Critics questioned her casting due to her Latina heritage, citing the original fairy tale’s description of Snow White having “skin as white as snow.”
In response, Zegler said during a Variety Actors on Actors interview, “We need to love [the critics] in the right direction… I get to be a Latina princess.” In 2023, she asked fans not to tag her in “nonsensical discourse” about the casting, while Little Mermaid star Halle Bailey publicly showed her support.
Zegler later clarified the film’s interpretation of the character’s name. Instead of referencing skin color, the name Snow White is tied to a snowstorm she survived as a baby, symbolizing resilience.
January 2022: Peter Dinklage Criticizes the Dwarfs’ Portrayal
Actor Peter Dinklage called out the film’s approach during an interview on WTF with Marc Maron, saying Disney was progressive with casting but “still making that f—ing backwards story” about dwarfs living in caves.
Disney responded, stating it was taking a “different approach” to avoid reinforcing stereotypes, with consultations from the dwarfism community. However, some actors with dwarfism, including WWE star Dylan Postl, pushed back, saying Dinklage’s comments risked taking away jobs from little people in Hollywood.
September 2022: Zegler Calls the Original “Outdated”
At Disney’s D23 Expo, Zegler referred to the 1937 Snow White as “extremely dated,” criticizing the love story as “a guy that literally stalks her. Weird!”
She explained the remake focuses on Snow White becoming a just and capable leader. The remarks drew backlash from traditionalists, including David Hale Hand—son of the original film’s director—who said the remake shows “no respect” for the original and called it “woke.”
Right-wing media responded harshly, with the Daily Wire announcing its own Snow White remake focused on “timeless values.” Zegler later clarified that the love story is still part of the film, though not the central focus.
July 2023: On-Set Photos of “Magical Creatures” Cause Uproar
Leaked photos appeared to show the dwarfs replaced with CGI “magical creatures” of varying heights, ethnicities, and genders. Disney said the photos weren’t official and showed stand-ins.
Still, disappointment followed. Dylan Postl called the choice “crazy,” arguing it removed a rare opportunity for actors with dwarfism to play significant roles in a major film.
August 2024: Political Tensions Arise Around Gal Gadot’s Views
After the October 7 Hamas attacks, Gal Gadot—who served in the IDF—voiced strong support for Israel. Her comments, including calling the world’s response to the attacks a “failure,” triggered calls for a boycott from pro-Palestinian groups.
In contrast, Zegler has openly supported Palestine since 2021, reaffirming her stance with a “Free Palestine” message following the film’s trailer drop. Though neither addressed the other’s views directly, media outlets speculated tension between the co-stars.
Gadot later defended her advocacy in Variety, stating, “I could not be silent,” while acknowledging the backlash she received.
October 2024: Zegler Reaffirms Her Support for Palestine
Zegler reiterated her position in another Variety interview, saying, “I can’t watch children die. I don’t think that should be a hot take.” She expressed grief over the suffering in both Israel and Palestine and called for empathy and awareness.
November 2024: Zegler Criticizes Trump, Sparks Right-Wing Backlash
After Donald Trump’s reelection, Zegler posted on Instagram, “May Trump supporters and Trump voters and Trump himself never know peace.”
She later apologized, saying, “I let my emotions get the best of me,” and called for more compassion and understanding in public discourse.
February 2025: Only One Dwarf Played by an Actor with Dwarfism
When Disney confirmed the dwarfs would be CGI, many hoped at least some would be portrayed by actors with dwarfism. However, only Martin Klebba (Grumpy) fits that description, prompting renewed criticism.
Actress Ali Chapman called the decision “disappointing,” saying, “That’s seven roles right there… unfortunately, we were shut out of that opportunity.”
March 2025: Disney Opts for Scaled-Back Premiere
Just days before release, Disney decided to limit its Hollywood premiere to media interviews and photography, skipping the usual red-carpet festivities. While Disney claimed it was always meant to be low-key, Grumpy actor Martin Klebba suggested it was due to backlash around Zegler.
Nonetheless, the premiere went ahead without incident, and both Gadot and Zegler appeared together at the 2025 Academy Awards, where sources claimed the rumored friction was overblown. “They did a job together, and that’s it,” said one insider.
Whether audiences embrace this new vision of Snow White or reject it over its controversies remains to be seen. But if anything’s clear, it’s that this fairy tale revival is about far more than just a poisoned apple.
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