Disney’s upcoming live-action remake of Snow White has been met with controversy, leading to the reported cancellation of its UK premiere. Starring West Side Story actress Rachel Zegler as Snow White and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, the film has faced heavy backlash over casting choices, modernized storyline changes, and comments made by its lead actress.
The decision to scrap the UK premiere has fueled speculation that Disney is bracing for further criticism, particularly from those opposed to what they see as the company’s “woke” adaptations of classic stories. But what exactly is causing all the controversy, and how could this affect the film’s release? Let’s dive in.
Why Did Disney Cancel the UK Premiere?
The reported decision to cancel the UK premiere comes amid growing concerns that the film could face negative publicity and protests due to:
1️⃣ Casting Controversy – Some fans believe Rachel Zegler, of Colombian and Polish descent, does not match the classic depiction of Snow White.
2️⃣ Storyline Changes – Disney has removed the traditional Seven Dwarfs and introduced a new, more independent version of Snow White.
3️⃣ Rachel Zegler’s Comments – The lead actress has publicly criticized the original 1937 film, angering some fans of the classic.
Instead of a high-profile red carpet event, Disney is reportedly shifting to a low-key press strategy with limited media engagements for its cast.
Rachel Zegler’s Comments Spark Backlash
One of the most significant sources of backlash comes from Rachel Zegler’s remarks about the original Snow White film.
In a past interview, Zegler stated:
🗣️ “The original Snow White is dated. She’s not going to be saved by a prince, and she’s not dreaming about true love.”
She also suggested that the classic version of the story promotes outdated gender roles.
These statements sparked a wave of criticism from fans who feel that Zegler disrespected the legacy of Disney’s first-ever animated feature. Some argue that the original story should be preserved, rather than rewritten to fit modern narratives.
Major Changes to the Classic Storyline
Disney’s Snow White remake is making several bold changes to the 1937 classic, including:
🔹 The Seven Dwarfs Replaced – Instead of the original Seven Dwarfs, the film will feature a diverse group of “magical creatures”, played by actors of different ethnicities and sizes. Critics argue that this is an unnecessary “woke” adjustment.
🔹 No Prince Charming? – The remake minimizes the role of Prince Charming, focusing instead on Snow White as an independent leader rather than a princess waiting to be rescued.
🔹 A More Feminist Approach – Snow White’s character has been reimagined to be strong and self-reliant, a shift from the traditional fairytale version. While some fans appreciate this update, others believe it strays too far from the original story.
These changes have led to accusations that Disney is altering beloved classics to fit modern political agendas, leading some fans to boycott the film.
The ‘Anti-Woke’ Backlash – Why Are Fans Upset?
The Snow White controversy is part of a larger cultural debate surrounding Disney’s recent approach to storytelling.
🛑 #BoycottDisney Trends on Social Media – Critics argue that Disney is forcing diversity and modern feminisminto stories at the expense of original narratives.
🛑 Conservative Media Response – Commentators like Megyn Kelly have openly criticized Zegler’s comments, with some even calling for Disney to replace her as Snow White.
🛑 Fan Discontent – Many long-time Disney fans feel that classic fairytales should not be altered and that changes like removing Prince Charming or reimagining the Seven Dwarfs go against the original charm of the story.
Could This Hurt Disney at the Box Office?
Disney’s recent live-action remakes have had mixed success, and Snow White could face challenges due to the backlash.
👎 Financial Risk – If audiences reject the film over these changes, Snow White could struggle at the box office, similar to other recent Disney flops.
👍 Potential for Success – Despite the controversy, Disney still has a loyal fan base, and younger audiences may embrace the modernized version of the story.
🔮 Disney’s Reputation on the Line – If Snow White underperforms, it could force Disney to rethink its approach to remakes in the future.
Conclusion
The cancellation of Snow White’s UK premiere highlights the growing divide between modernized storytelling and traditional fan expectations. While Disney aims to make classic fairytales more inclusive and progressive, not all audiences are on board with these changes.
The big question remains: Will Disney’s new version of Snow White be a hit, or will it become another controversial misstep?
FAQs
1. Why did Disney cancel the UK premiere of Snow White?
Disney reportedly canceled the premiere due to concerns over negative press, backlash against storyline changes, and Rachel Zegler’s past comments.
2. What changes has Disney made to the Snow White remake?
The film removes the traditional Seven Dwarfs, reduces the role of Prince Charming, and reimagines Snow White as a more independent leader.
3. Why is there backlash against Rachel Zegler?
Many fans believe her comments about the original Snow White were dismissive and disrespectful to the 1937 Disney classic.
4. Will the controversy affect the film’s success?
Possibly. Disney’s recent remakes have struggled at the box office, and the backlash could impact audience turnout.
5. When is Snow White expected to be released?
The film is scheduled for release in 2025, though Disney may adjust its marketing strategy in response to the controversy.
