The Snow White Controversy: A Tale of Backlash and Debate
TDT | Manama
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When we think of Disney, we think of fairy tales, magical princesses, and stories that have captivated generations. But Disney’s latest live-action Snow White has not been met with the same love and nostalgia. Instead, it has faced intense backlash, raising questions about casting choices, creative changes, and representation.
Casting Controversy
One of the most heated debates started with the casting of Rachel Zegler as Snow White. The original story, dating back to the Brothers Grimm fairy tale and Disney’s 1937 classic, describes the princess as having “skin as white as snow”. Many critics argued that casting Zegler, who has a tan complexion, strayed too far from the character’s defining trait.
This is not the first time Disney has faced such controversy. In The Little Mermaid (2023), Halle Bailey’s casting as Ariel sparked a similar debate. However, unlike Snow White, that controversy eventually died down, with many embracing Bailey’s portrayal. This time, the backlash was much more severe, fueled further by comments Zegler made about the original story and its portrayal of romance.
Zegler’s Comments Spark Debate
Zegler’s statements about the original film didn’t help Disney’s case. She criticized the 1937 movie for focusing too much on romance, saying Snow White’s love story with the prince was “weird” and that the new version would have a different focus. While some appreciated the modernization, others felt that Disney was disrespecting its own legacy.
The Seven Dwarfs Controversy
Another major issue was Disney’s decision to replace the iconic Seven Dwarfs with CGI characters. Actor Peter Dinklage criticized Disney for continuing the story in what he called a "backwards" way, arguing that depicting dwarfs in the traditional sense was problematic. However, many actors with dwarfism disagreed, arguing that Disney took away seven valuable roles from actors who rarely get opportunities in Hollywood.
Box Office and Reception
The controversy surrounding the movie was so intense that it overshadowed its release. The film opened with $43 million domestically and $87.3 million worldwide, a disappointing return considering its $270 million production cost.
While Disney hoped for a magical fairy-tale success, the Snow White remake became more famous for its controversy than for its storytelling. Whether this backlash will impact future live-action remakes remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Disney’s attempts to modernize its classics continue to divide audiences.
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