Controversy Surrounds Disney’s Snow White Live-Action Remake Over Casting

Snow White Live-Action Remake Faces Backlash Over Casting and Representation

Disney’s live-action remake of Snow White, released in March 2025, has quickly become the subject of controversy, facing backlash for its casting choices and depiction of characters. The film, which stars Rachel Zegler as Snow White, has sparked debates about representation and political correctness.

The Casting Controversy

One of the primary sources of controversy surrounds the casting of Rachel Zegler, a mixed-ethnicity actress, in the iconic role of Snow White. Critics argue that Disney’s decision to cast Zegler goes against the traditional European depiction of the character. This decision has led to a heated debate over diversity in Hollywood and whether race should influence casting for classic characters.

Additionally, the casting of Zegler has drawn attention due to some of her outspoken political views, which have further fueled the controversy surrounding the film’s release.

The Dwarf Depiction Debate

Another point of contention is the portrayal of the seven dwarfs. Peter Dinklage, who is an actor with dwarfism, publicly criticized Disney for using traditional depictions of dwarfs in the film, calling it a form of “ableism.” His comments led to widespread discussions on social media and in the press, with many agreeing that the portrayal of dwarfs in the film is problematic.

In response to the criticism, Disney announced that it would be making adjustments to the film’s depiction of the dwarfs, although specifics on the changes remain unclear.

Mixed Reception and Box Office Performance

The film’s release has been marked by mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. Some praise the visual effects and the performances, while others express disappointment over the film’s lack of faithfulness to the original story.

Despite high expectations, the film has underperformed at the box office, grossing just $88 million in its opening weekend. This figure is far below expectations, especially considering the film’s production budget, which reportedly exceeds $270 million.

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding Disney’s Snow White remake highlights the growing divide between modern audiences’ expectations and the traditional elements of classic fairy tales. While some embrace the film’s updates, others feel that it deviates too far from the beloved original. With backlash surrounding both casting and character portrayal, it remains to be seen how this adaptation will fare in the long term.