In a bold move, dozens of Hollywood’s smallest stars are planning a major protest outside Disney Studios this week to voice their frustration over the studio’s controversial new Snow White movie.
The reimagined film, set to hit theaters this Friday, has replaced the iconic seven dwarfs with CGI-rendered characters, sparking outrage among many little people actors who feel sidelined.
A Missed Opportunity for Representation
Ali Chapman, an actress who stands at 3ft 8in, shared her thoughts on the remake with the Mail on Sunday.
She expressed her dismay, saying, “The whole point of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is right there in the title.”
Chapman, along with many others, believes the original 1937 film’s charm was in its depiction of the seven dwarfs, who were integral to the story and beloved by audiences worldwide.
She continued, “Disney’s new live-action version had the perfect opportunity to showcase talented little people, but instead, they opted for CGI, which feels like a slap in the face to all of us.”
Chapman’s frustration is shared by many within the community.
She revealed that people from all over the world are coming together for the protest, making it clear they won’t accept being erased from a story that they believe should have been an opportunity for authentic representation.
The Controversies Surrounding the Film
The $270 million film, set to release this week, has been mired in other controversies beyond the casting of the dwarfs.
Actress Rachel Zegler, who stars as Snow White, has caused a stir with her comments about the character of Prince Charming, calling him “a guy who literally stalks” Snow White.
The film has also drawn criticism for casting Zegler, a Latina actress, in the traditionally white role of Snow White, fueling debates about ‘wokeism’ in Hollywood.
Meanwhile, tensions between Zegler and Israeli actress Gal Gadot, who plays the Evil Queen, have reportedly escalated, with the two not even wanting to attend the red carpet together.
Despite all this drama, the controversy over the dwarfs remains a focal point, with many feeling that it reflects deeper issues within Hollywood.
A Voice for Little People Actors
Matt McCarthy, Chapman’s husband and a fellow actor with dwarfism, expressed his own disappointment.
At 4ft 1in tall, McCarthy described the lack of opportunities for little people in Hollywood as an ongoing struggle.
“It’s hard enough for anyone to make it in Hollywood,” he said.
“But when you’re a little person, the opportunities are even fewer.”
McCarthy also shared his personal dream of playing Dopey, the dwarf character, something he believes was entirely possible if Disney had cast real little people instead of relying on CGI.
He added, “There were seven great roles there, but they decided to go with cartoons. It’s just shameful.”
Hollywood’s Lack of Representation
Jeff Beacher, a showman and pioneer in celebrating little people through his Beacher’s Madhouse theaters, is organizing the protest.
He believes this moment is critical for dwarf actors in Hollywood.
Reflecting on the 2023 film Wonka, which cast Hugh Grant as an Oompa Loompa despite his height, Beacher criticized Hollywood’s tendency to digitally manipulate actors instead of giving them authentic roles.
Beacher pointed out, “If Hollywood is really about inclusion and diversity, they could have cast talented little people in these roles. It’s a missed opportunity for true representation.”
He emphasized that this moment is a turning point, and the fight for equality in Hollywood should include all actors, no matter their size.
The Call for More Opportunities
Chapman, who is also Black, added a poignant perspective on the lack of representation for little people in the industry.
“If they replaced all Black or all white actors with CGI, there would be an outcry,” she said.
“But when it comes to little people, no one cares.”
She voiced her desire to be seen for her talents, not relegated to stereotypical roles like leprechauns or elves.
“I want more than just Hobbit-type characters,” she explained.
Jordanna James, another actress involved in the protest, echoed this sentiment.
Standing at 3ft 11in, James has worked as a backup dancer for Miley Cyrus but expressed frustration with how little people are overlooked in Hollywood. “We exist,” she said. “We deserve the same opportunities as everyone else.
Hollywood can’t keep erasing us.”
A Tense Week Ahead for Disney
As the protest gains momentum, a senior Disney executive acknowledged that the situation could turn into a PR nightmare for the studio.
“It’s been a total disaster,” they admitted, referring to the backlash surrounding the $270 million film.
“The idea of dozens of little people protesting outside our gates is something we’re dreading.
We just want this week to be over.”
The upcoming protest promises to be a pivotal moment in the ongoing conversation about diversity, inclusion, and representation in Hollywood, especially when it comes to little people actors.
For many, this is a fight for visibility and respect in an industry that has long marginalized them.