Snow White: Controversies Plague the Upcoming Feature

In what has fully become a trend for Disney, Snow White is the latest in a longline of live action remakes from the studio. However, it seems the controversial nature of what the film will include in its narrative is being touted as the straw that will break the camel’s back.
As fans, critics and even certain Industry insiders aren’t too hopeful about the dramatic changes being made to the upcoming feature.

The first controversy that has played out, is the casting of Rachel Zegler as the titular character of Snow White.

Essentially, the young actress is of Latin descent and for many this seems to misrepresenting the character of Snow White. Who technically can be considered a Caucasian of English descent.

Of course, this particular controversy is one that shouldn’t stir up too much disapproval. As it all depends on the effectiveness of the performance and story.

So in other words, if Rachel did a good enough job with her acting and the story sells its assets well. Many will forget they ever criticized the casting of Rachel for the role.

As such was the case with the casting of Halle Bailey in The Little Mermaid live action remake. As well as Chris Pratt in the voice role of Mario for the Super Mario Bros. movie.

Simply put, ethnic type-casting has become a thing of the past. As this generation’s mantra of diversity is allowing for casting options to be as fluid as possible.

However, the major controversies surrounding this movie come from narrative elements that have been teased. Both by the main actress and her co-star, Gal Gadot. Who will be playing the role of the Evil Queen.

Following a string of updates that have come forth in regards to what audiences should expect from the upcoming feature. Rachel has since spoken about how the original feature/animation feels dated in tone and the themes explored. Which has obviously been a bitter pill to swallow for many that still respect and adore the original animation.

Furthermore, the young actress also teased that the love story [which usually forms the backbone of earlier classical Disney animations] will be sidelined. In favour of a modern feminist approach, which will see the character of Snow White be more assertive as regards her role as a leader or ruler.

In light of this, a happening like ‘true love’s kiss’ may be no where to be found. With Rachel even joking that the prince’s role could be cut or toned down. Touting the character as an unimportant or uninteresting part of the whole feature.

Then there’s also headscratcher of the live action remake now featuring seven magical creatures. In place of the seven dwarfs in the original animation. Just who or what these creatures will be remains a mystery for now.

Although, reports have been spreading that the film’s creatives have been consulting with dwarfism community. But the fact still remains that nothing is concrete until the film’s release. Or at the very least, the release of the film’s first/teaser trailer. Which is still ways away, owing to the WGA & SAG-AFTRA strikes.

At this point, even the currently planned release date for Snow White might have to be rescheduled.

With these major character changes across the board, the Evil Queen may also meet the same fate. Hence, her portrayal as a sympathetic or misunderstood figure rather than an outright antagonist. This of course, is another trend that has slowly become a staple across various Hollywood endeavours.

Snow White may have not been released yet but it’s already struggling to find its footing as a host of people seem displeased or just confounded by all these changes.

Even David Hand whose father worked with Walt Disney on the original animation has since spoken against the ‘woke’ nature that the live action remake of Snow White seems to be perpetuating.

But with all involved in the movie’s production solidly behind it, perhaps the rationale within the movie might give way to acceptance.

Alternatively, The House of Mouse could have bitten off more than it can chew. As it has also become common place for the studio to update certain plot lines when re-adapting their animated classics.

Which is why Snow White is already generating a whole lot of backlash ages before a single promotional material has had the chance to surface.

Disney’s Snow White is currently set for theatrical release March 22, 2024.