‘Snow White’ Controversy Explained: Full Timeline of What Happened
Disney‘s live-action adaptation of Snow White has been making headlines long before its release — but not entirely for the right reasons. What was meant to be a modern retelling of the 1937 animated classic has instead sparked heated debates over representation, political correctness, and even the personal beliefs of its cast.
With the film set to hit theaters on March 21, 2025, the journey to its premiere has been marred by backlash from both fans and industry insiders alike. Controversies have surrounded Snow White from its earliest announcements to its release.
January 2022: Reimagining of the Seven Dwarfs starts ‘Snow White’ controversy
- Peter Dinklage’s Critique: Actor Peter Dinklage, known for his work on Game of Thrones, criticized Disney’s decision to remake Snow White, labeling it a “backward story.” He expressed concerns about reinforcing stereotypes associated with dwarfism.
- Disney’s Response: In reaction to Dinklage’s comments, Disney announced plans to take a “different approach” with the seven characters, consulting with members of the dwarfism community to avoid reinforcing stereotypes.
- Backlash from Actors with Dwarfism: Several actors with dwarfism, including Dylan Postl and Jason “Wee Man” Acuña, criticized Dinklage’s stance, arguing that it could lead to reduced acting opportunities for their community.
July 2023: Set photos and casting choices
- Leaked Set Photos: Images from the film’s set revealed a diverse group of characters accompanying Snow White, with only one actor with dwarfism among them. This sparked debates about political correctness and the potential loss of roles for actors with dwarfism.
- Disney’s Clarification: Initially denying the authenticity of the leaked photos, Disney later confirmed their legitimacy, stating that the images depicted stand-in actors and that the final portrayal of the characters would differ. A trailer ultimate revealed the Seven Dwarfs would be CGI.
August 2023: Criticism of the original 1937 film
- Rachel Zegler’s Comments: Rachel Zegler, cast as Snow White, made remarks describing the original 1937 animated film as “dated” and critiqued the portrayal of Snow White and the Prince. She emphasized the need for a more modern and empowered depiction of the character.
- Public Reaction: Zegler’s comments led to backlash from fans and commentators who felt she was dismissive of the classic film. David Hand Jr., son of one of the original directors, described the remake as “insulting” and suggested that his father and Walt Disney would be “turning in their graves.”
August 2024: Political tensions and boycott calls follow Gal Gadot, Rachel Zegler
- Divergent Political Views: The film faced boycott calls due to the contrasting political stances of its lead actors. Rachel Zegler publicly supported Palestine, while Gal Gadot expressed pro-Israel sentiments. These opposing views led to polarized reactions from different audience groups.
- Social Media Backlash: Zegler’s pro-Palestinian stance, including her “free Palestine” tweet, attracted both praise and criticism, further fueling the controversy surrounding the film.
November 2024: More political remarks from Rachel Zegler
- Zegler’s Comments on U.S. Politics: Rachel Zegler made headlines with her outspoken criticism of former President Donald Trump and his supporters, leading to calls for boycotts from conservative groups. She later issued a public apology, acknowledging that her emotions had influenced her statements.
October 2024: Release date postponement
- Film Delay: Disney announced a one-year postponement of the film’s release, moving it to March 21, 2025. This delay was attributed to the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike and the surrounding controversies.
February 2025: Zegler addresses backlash
- Interpretation of Criticism: Rachel Zegler responded to the ongoing backlash by interpreting the criticism as a sign of fans’ passion for the character of Snow White. She acknowledged the protectiveness audiences feel toward the original film and expressed her honor in portraying the iconic role.
March 2025: UK, US premieres scaled back over ‘Snow White’ controversy
- UK Premiere Canceled: Disney canceled the UK premiere, reportedly due to concerns over potential backlash and controversy surrounding the film. The studio opted for a limited number of tightly controlled press events instead of the traditional high-profile premiere.
- Hollywood Premiere Changes: The March 15 premiere in Hollywood gets scaled back in the wake of the controversies. Disney granted limited media access in an effort to avoid open interviews with Gal Gadot and Rachel Zegler.
As Snow White prepares for its long-delayed debut, the film stands as a reflection of the cultural shifts and heightened scrutiny that modern adaptations often face. While Disney aimed to reimagine the classic tale with a fresh perspective, the production’s ongoing controversies highlight the challenges of balancing artistic vision, inclusivity, and fan expectations.
Whether audiences embrace the updated Snow White or continue to criticize its departure from the original, the film has already made its mark as one of the most polarizing Disney projects in recent years.
