Disney’s highly anticipated live-action remake of Snow White is set to hit theaters on March 21, 2025. However, instead of excitement, the film has been surrounded by controversy long before its release. From casting decisions to political debates and concerns about the film’s quality, Snow White has become one of Disney’s most talked-about, and divisive movies in recent years.
Casting Controversy
One of the first major debates surrounding the film started with the casting of Rachel Zegler, a Latina actress, as Snow White. Some critics argued that the character, originally depicted with fair skin in the 1937 animated film, should not have been played by an actress of Colombian descent. This backlash was similar to the controversy that arose when Disney cast Black actress Halle Bailey as Ariel in The Little Mermaid (2023). Zegler also faced racist trolling online, adding to the ongoing debate over diversity in Disney films.
Political Disputes Between Lead Actresses
The controversy surrounding Snow White intensified when political opinions entered the discussion. Zegler publicly expressed her support for Palestine, posting “Free Palestine” on social media in 2024. Meanwhile, her co-star Gal Gadot, who plays the Evil Queen, has been a strong supporter of Israel, especially following the October 7, 2024, attacks. This led to social media backlash, with some pro-Palestinian audiences calling for a boycott of the film simply because of Gadot’s involvement.
The political tension escalated even further after the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Zegler, in an emotional social media post, expressed disappointment over Donald Trump’s re-election, writing that she hoped Trump and his supporters “never know peace.” This statement sparked criticism from conservative voices, with former Fox News host Megyn Kelly calling Zegler “a pig” and suggesting Disney should replace her. Zegler later apologized, saying she let her emotions get the best of her.
The Debate Over the Seven Dwarfs
Another controversial aspect of the film has been Disney’s decision to replace the traditional seven dwarfs with CGI-generated “magical creatures.” Actor Peter Dinklage, who has dwarfism and is known for his role in Game of Thrones, previously criticized the original 1937 film for its portrayal of dwarfs, calling it outdated and offensive. In response, Disney altered the characters in the new adaptation.
However, this change was met with backlash from some actors with dwarfism, who argued that Disney’s decision deprived them of job opportunities. One actor told the Daily Mail, “Disney is trying too hard to be politically correct, but in doing so, they are harming our careers.”
Concerns About the Film’s Quality
Beyond the political and social debates, Snow White is also facing skepticism over its overall quality. When the first full-length trailer was released, many viewers were disappointed with its CGI effects. The Guardian even called the visuals “the ugliest thing ever committed to screen.”
The film features new songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the award-winning duo behind La La Land. However, the first song released, Waiting On a Wish, has been criticized for lacking originality, with some calling it a generic Disney tune.
Box Office Predictions and Uncertain Future
Disney reportedly spent over $240 million on Snow White, but box office projections suggest a modest opening of around $270 million. While this would be a solid performance for many films, it is on the lower end for a blockbuster of this scale.
Despite the controversies, Disney remains a powerhouse in the film industry. Recent releases like Moana 2 and Mufasa: The Lion King have earned over $1 billion and $700 million, respectively. However, Snow White faces challenges that could impact its success. Whether it will overcome the backlash and find an audience—or struggle under the weight of controversy—remains to be seen.
