Disney’s "Snow White" Controversy: A Tale of Retreat and Missed Opportunities?

The upcoming live-action adaptation of "Snow White" has been plagued by controversies since its announcement. From casting choices to alterations to the original story, the film has faced criticism from various corners. However, recent decisions by Disney regarding the film’s premiere and promotional efforts have sparked further concerns, suggesting a potential retreat from embracing the film’s diverse representation and a capitulation to conservative backlash.

Traditionally, Disney rolls out the red carpet for its live-action remakes, particularly those featuring diverse leads. Halle Bailey’s performance of "Part of Your World" in front of a Disney castle was a celebratory moment that amplified the excitement surrounding "The Little Mermaid." However, Rachel Zegler, the Latina actress cast as Snow White, appears to be receiving a significantly different treatment.

Reports indicate that the Hollywood premiere of "Snow White" will be a scaled-down affair, limiting media access and focusing primarily on photographers and a "house crew." This stark contrast to the typical Disney premiere raises questions about the studio’s confidence in the film and its willingness to publicly champion its star.

One of the central themes of the "Snow White" adaptation is said to be standing up for one another against tyranny through kindness, regardless of background. However, in the current political climate, where conservative voices often react negatively to anything perceived as "woke," Disney might be hesitant to fully endorse this message.

This hesitance echoes previous instances where Disney seemed to backtrack on diversity initiatives. The article mentions the erasure of a trans storyline in Pixar’s "Win or Lose" as an example of the studio potentially capitulating to conservative pressure.

Rachel Zegler has faced considerable online criticism since her casting, some of which has been undeniably rooted in racism and bigotry. Her initial comments about the new film differing from the original’s "outdated" story also drew ire. Furthermore, she received backlash for expressing her political views, which she later apologized for. The scaled-back premiere could be seen as a way for Disney to shield Zegler from further scrutiny and minimize potential controversy.

Adding fuel to the fire, Gal Gadot, who plays the Evil Queen, has faced criticism for her support of Israel. This, combined with Zegler’s support for Palestine, has created a politically charged atmosphere around the film, potentially making Disney wary of a large-scale premiere.

Beyond political controversies, "Snow White" has also been criticized for its approach to the seven dwarfs. Peter Dinklage, known for his role in "Game of Thrones," publicly criticized Disney for perpetuating stereotypical depictions of dwarfs. While he praised the casting of a Latina as Snow White, he questioned the decision to maintain the traditional portrayal of the dwarfs living in a cave. The movie features CG dwarfs instead of human actors.

The film’s visual aspects, particularly Snow White’s hairstyle, have also been subject to ridicule. Critics have compared it unfavorably to Lord Farquaad’s hair, highlighting a perceived lack of attention to detail and a potential lack of female perspective in the film’s direction.

The article draws a parallel between Zegler’s treatment and that of other actors of color who have faced racism and online harassment while working on major Disney franchises. John Boyega, Kelly Marie Tran, Moses Ingram, Ahmed Best, and Amandla Stenberg have all spoken out about their experiences with racism and the lack of support they received from Disney.

The author argues that Disney should be celebrating Zegler’s role as a Latina Snow White, providing a positive role model for young girls. Instead, the studio seems to be treating her as a "prop" in a PR campaign, failing to fully amplify her voice and significance.

The author points out that the Latino audience represents a significant portion of the moviegoing market, particularly among young female moviegoers. By seemingly downplaying Zegler’s role and limiting the film’s promotion, Disney risks alienating this key demographic.

The article expresses concern that if "Snow White" fails to meet Disney’s financial expectations, the blame will fall on Zegler and the Latino audience, rather than on the studio’s own missteps and lack of support.

The author concludes by questioning whether Disney is afraid to stand by its casting and creative choices, particularly in anticipation of a potential shift in the political landscape. The decline in diversity on film and the perceived lack of support for diverse talent suggests a step backward for the studio.

The situation surrounding "Snow White" raises important questions about Disney’s commitment to diversity and its willingness to stand up against backlash. While the film’s ultimate success remains to be seen, the controversies surrounding its premiere and promotion have cast a shadow over what should have been a celebratory moment for representation on screen.