Disney's live-action adaptation of Snow White is shaping up to be one of the most controversial films of the year. With the red carpet premiere canceled and media coverage scaled back, the studio seems to be bracing for impact. But what exactly has led to this PR nightmare? Let's dive into the drama surrounding this once-beloved fairy tale.
Disney has reportedly scrapped the UK premiere in London and canceled the red carpet for the Hollywood premiere on March 15. According to Variety, the decision isn't solely due to the “anti-woke” backlash but also concerns over the controversies surrounding leads Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot. The studio is limiting media access, opting for a more controlled environment with only photographers and a house crew present. This move, while protective, has raised eyebrows and fueled speculation about the film's troubled production.
Rachel Zegler, who plays Snow White, has been vocal about her criticisms of the original 1937 animated film, calling it outdated and problematic. Her comments have alienated some fans who hold the classic dear. Meanwhile, Gal Gadot, who portrays the Evil Queen, has faced scrutiny for her pro-Israel stance, which has sparked heated debates online. The tension between the two stars escalated when Zegler posted “Free Palestine” on social media, further complicating the film's public image.
Earlier this year, Disney released a teaser for Snow White, which quickly became one of the most disliked trailers of 2024, amassing 1.4 million dislikes on YouTube. Critics and fans alike panned the teaser for its perceived lack of charm and fidelity to the source material. The negative reception has cast a shadow over the film's release, with box office projections now estimating an opening weekend of less than $50 million—a far cry from Disney's usual blockbuster numbers.
Directed by Marc Webb (500 Days of Summer) and written by Greta Gerwig (Lady Bird, Little Women), Snow White had high expectations from the start. Principal photography began in March 2022 and wrapped in June of the same year, but the film underwent additional reshoots in 2023 and 2024, signaling potential creative struggles. With a rumored budget exceeding $300 million, the stakes are sky-high for Disney.
As Snow White gears up for its release in just 10 days, the film finds itself at a crossroads. Will it overcome the controversies and backlash to become a box office success, or will it go down as one of Disney's most expensive misfires? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: this fairy tale's journey to the big screen has been anything but magical.
Disney's Snow White is a cautionary tale of how modern adaptations can go awry when they fail to balance innovation with respect for the source material. The controversies surrounding its stars and the negative reception of its teaser have created a perfect storm of bad press. While the film's creative team boasts impressive credentials, the mounting challenges suggest that even the most talented minds can't always spin straw into gold. As audiences, we're left wondering: can Snow White redeem itself, or is it destined to be remembered as a well-intentioned but flawed experiment?
“Do you think Disney's Snow White can recover from its controversies, or has the studio's missteps doomed this adaptation from the start?”
