Disney’s highly anticipated live-action remake of Snow White has been making headlines—but not for the right reasons.
Instead of building excitement for its March 21 release, the film has become a source of frustration for Disney executives, largely due to its lead actress, Rachel Zegler.
According to insiders, Zegler’s outspoken nature and progressive views are causing major headaches for the company, leaving them unsure of how to handle the situation.
A Secret Premiere Without the Press
To navigate the growing controversy, Disney opted for an unusual promotional strategy.
Instead of a traditional press tour, Zegler was sent to a secluded castle in Segovia, Spain, for a private event attended only by influencers and select families.
Notably absent were members of the press and even Zegler’s co-star, Gal Gadot, who portrays the Evil Queen.
This secretive approach raised eyebrows and fueled speculation that Disney is deliberately limiting Zegler’s interactions with the media.
Clashing with Disney’s Classic Legacy
One of the biggest controversies surrounding Zegler stems from her criticism of the original 1937 Snow White film.
She has been vocal about her dislike of the classic story, calling its romance outdated and problematic.
She even refused to perform Someday My Prince Will Come, the beloved song from the original, dismissing it as “weird.”
Instead, the remake features a new song, Waiting on a Wish, which aligns with a more feminist narrative.
According to Zegler, her version of Snow White is not focused on romance but on leadership and independence.
While some praise the modern approach, others—including David Hale Hand, the son of the original film’s supervising director—have criticized the changes, calling them a betrayal of Disney’s legacy.
Political Views Adding to the Backlash
Beyond her film-related comments, Zegler’s vocal political stance is another point of concern for Disney.
The actress has been outspoken on various issues, including her pro-Palestine stance, which has reportedly led to direct calls from Disney executives and her management team urging her to tone down her social media activity.
Her past social media posts, including one in which she wished former President Trump and his supporters would “never know peace,” have also resurfaced, adding fuel to the controversy.
A PR Balancing Act for Disney
Disney is in a tough spot.
On one hand, the company has been promoting diversity and inclusion, championing Zegler as a Latina actress in a historically white role.
On the other hand, audience reactions suggest that Disney’s DEI-driven approach has alienated some traditional fans.
Adding to the challenge, Gal Gadot, who plays the film’s villain, has also been embroiled in controversy, facing a petition to bar her from the Oscars due to her pro-Israel stance.
This leaves Disney trying to juggle multiple PR crises while attempting to salvage the film’s reputation.
The Seven Dwarves Controversy
The film’s handling of the Seven Dwarves has also sparked debate.
Actor Jason Acuña, known as “Wee Man” from Jackass, criticized Disney for initially casting non-dwarf actors in the roles, arguing that it deprived people with dwarfism of employment opportunities.
The backlash led to a shift, with the characters now being depicted using CGI—a decision that director Marc Webb insists was always part of the plan.
Meanwhile, Game of Thrones star Peter Dinklage has questioned why the dwarves were included at all, suggesting that their presence contradicts Disney’s progressive intentions.
Will ‘Snow White’ Overcome the Controversy?
With so much controversy surrounding the film, Disney is reportedly rethinking its promotional strategy.
Traditional red carpet interviews might be scrapped in favor of influencer-driven marketing, an attempt to shift the focus back to the movie itself.
However, with public opinion divided and the company distancing itself from “woke” messaging, Snow White faces an uphill battle.
Whether it will succeed at the box office or become another casualty of Disney’s recent struggles remains to be seen.