Image Credits - The Hollywood ReporterDisney’s highly anticipated Snow White remake has faced significant scrutiny since its announcement, but stars Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot stood by the film at its premiere on March 15 at the El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles. Unlike typical Hollywood red carpets, the event was notably toned down, with no press interviews—perhaps a reflection of Disney’s cautious handling of the ongoing discourse surrounding the movie.
Zegler, 23, and Gadot, 39, posed for photos with the film’s creative team, including director Marc Webb, producer Marc Platt, and songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. However, the premiere’s subdued nature underscored the controversies that have followed the project since its inception.
One of the film’s most debated aspects has been its reimagining of Snow White’s character. In previous interviews, Zegler emphasized that the new version distances itself from the traditional fairytale, particularly in how the titular character’s journey unfolds. “She’s not going to be saved by the prince. She’s not going to be dreaming about true love. She’s dreaming about becoming the leader she knows she can be,” Zegler has stated, signaling a shift toward a more independent protagonist.
Beyond the narrative changes, the film has also drawn criticism for its handling of the Seven Dwarfs. Actor Peter Dinklage previously expressed concerns about the portrayal of little people in the live-action adaptation, reigniting discussions about representation in Hollywood. Disney later addressed the backlash, stating that they aimed for a “modern approach” and consulted with members of the dwarfism community during production.
While Snow White has been a lightning rod for debate, its stars remain committed to the film’s vision. With the premiere behind them and the release drawing closer, the film’s reception among audiences remains to be seen.
