‘Woke’ Remake Of ‘Snow White’ Battles Controversy Ahead Of Its Release

Disney’s live-action remake of Snow White is set to hit theaters this week and the film is already embroiled in controversy.

Since the film’s inception, it has received hate for changes being made to the storyline, with many internet users claiming the story was being made “too woke.” In addition to criticism of the titular character’s design, many people took issue with the casting of Latin actress Rachel Zegler.

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Zegler has endured a steady, unrelenting stream of criticism since she was cast as Snow White in 2022. In 2022’s D23 Expo, she became subject to more online criticism when she called the original animated movie “dated” and drew attention to the plotline in which Prince Charming “literally stalks” Snow White. Zegler was instantly met with an avalanche of hate comments from internet users who claimed she wasn’t paying the original film its due respect.

Zegler has respectfully stood behind her comments. In a recent interview with Vogue Mexico, Zegler shared, “I interpret people’s feelings about this film as their passion for [the Snow White character] and what an honor to be a part of something that people are so passionate about.”

“We are not always going to have the same feelings as everyone around us and all that we can do is do our best,” Zegler added. “It’s very important for the public to know that Disney has found this beautiful and delicate balance between the 1937 animated classic that everyone knows and loves, and at the same time, introduces it to this new generation.”

In an interview with Variety in 2024, Zegler shared that the remake offered different reasoning for Snow White’s name rather than being in reference to her skin color. “It fell back to another version of Snow White that was told in history, where she survived a snowstorm that occurred when she was a baby… and so the king and queen decide to name her Snow White to remind her of her resilience.”

Snow White also faced controversy due to the seven dwarves, which many people have deemed to be a politically incorrect plot line. Game of Thrones actor Peter Dinklage shared his thoughts on Marc Maron’s WTF podcast in 2022, deeming the fairytale a “f—ing backward story about seven dwarves living in a cave together.” He declared, “Have I done nothing to advance the cause from my soapbox? I guess I’m not loud enough.”

Disney responded to Dinklage’s comments saying the studio had taken a “different approach” when examining the story, with members of the dwarfism community consulted in the making of the movie and portrayal of the characters.

The original Snow White and the Seven Dwarves was released in 1937. The remake is set to be released in theaters on March 21.